Lakeside Places New Apparatus In Service

Riverpark Fire Station-

On July 18, 2012, the Lakeside Fire Protection District placed its latest apparatus acquisition in-service at the new Riverpark Fire Station. The 2012 Smeal fire apparatus is the first of four engine companies to be purchased over the next three years. These apparatus will replace current vehicles that will be placed into reserve status, allowing the district to have reliable "back-up" apparatus that can be staffed during periods of high fire activity.

The design of the apparatus has roots in Riverside County where this design has been very successful working in terrain much like that here in Lakeside. The new engine has extremely good ground clearance with a very tight turning radius. These attributes come in handy when navigating some of the narrow roadways found around the community.

The new Engine Company 2

The purchase comes after an intensive search by the department Apparatus Committee. The committee consists of employees from all levels and job functions within the agency. It is their job to make recommendations to staff for future vehicle purchases. This group was able to travel to Temecula where a sister rig has been in-service for a while. Crews were able to drive and talk to employees about the performance of the engine company.

Smeal Fire Apparatus are built in Snyder, Nebraska. They are becoming increasingly popular with agencies with a wildland interface area (such as Lakeside)

This new apparatus will be stationed at the Riverpark Fire Station on Lakeside Ave.   

Story Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District