By Cherie Gottschalk, Port of Port Angeles
Through a collaboration of the City of Port Angeles, the City Fire Department, and the Port of Port Angeles, a vital piece of fire equipment was purchased from surplus. The City Fire Department now owns a Wildland Urban Interface Fire Engine, which is crucial in fighting forested and grassland fires. Fire Chief Derrell Sharp explains that this 1998 International has a 500-gallon water tank and pump and roll capabilities that enable fire crews to apply water streams while on the move, and is better equipped to navigate narrow roads. The ability to deploy a wildland urban interface engine has many advantages over deployment of a structural engine for wildland fires involving brush and timber that include a higher ground clearance, tighter turning radius, lower transmission gearing and designated compartment space for wildland hose, appliances and hand tools. The Fire Department did not own this type of engine and identifying this used vehicle for sale is where the Port came into the story. Paul Jarkiewicz, Executive Director of the Port, noticed the Wildland Fire Engine for sale on a Government Surplus site, by an out of state fire department, and queried Port Angeles Fire Chief Derrell Sharp of any interest. Yes, was the answer, but the Chief’s enthusiasm was dimmed when the Chief knew the Department was not registered on the surplus site and this fire engine was bound to be sold quickly. Not a problem, replied Jarkiewicz, the Port can buy it as we are set up to purchase, and you can repay us. The arrangement was made, and the engine was purchased. Executive Director Jarkiewicz didn’t pay the asking price as Paul was able to negotiate $2,500 off the price to boot, stated an enthusiastic City Manager Nathan West. Paul is always looking for partnerships, commented West at the State of the City luncheon meeting.
The Seller was asked why they listed the fire engine for sale, as there is a good amount of life left in it. I don’t have time to teach our seasonal crew members how to drive a manual transmission at the start of every season. Well, the fire crew in Port Angeles has the time and expertise to do just that.
(Shown L to R: Port Executive Director Paul Jarkiewicz, City Fire Chief Derrell Sharp, Port Angeles City Manager Nathan West)
