Fire chief outlines trench-rescue program, new ladder truck delivery and training schedule

Fire Chief Batts reported to the Board of Public Works and Safety on July 14 that Lebanon Fire Department responded to 225 emergency calls since the last meeting, logged 537 training hours and completed 82 commercial inspections. Chief Batts said the department is implementing a trench rescue program to address an increase in local construction and water-line work. The program is intended to be fully operational in January; the department’s goal is to have 80 percent of staff certified to operations or technician levels. The city purchased a Ford F-450 truck and a 20-foot trailer to support trench rescue equipment, and the department will host a joint class with Whitestown Fire in November to certify remaining members. New apparatus and training: the department has taken delivery of a new ladder truck (described in the meeting as approximately 40 tons, 38 feet long and 12 feet tall). Chief Batts said driver training begins the day after the meeting and the truck will be placed in service only after an extensive program, likely taking about two months, because the new apparatus differs substantially from the existing ladder. Other items: Chief Batts noted recruit Ethan Shepherd began a 20-week Northside Fire Academy program that starts with EMT and progresses through firefighter I and II and hazmat technician training. He also praised parks staff for their work on Fourth of July events and said the department led the parade with the honor guard. Ending: the department continues training and inspection work while phasing in specialized capabilities; the transcript records program timelines but not specific certification records or budgets for the trench-rescue equipment beyond the purchase descriptions.