Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 129, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1920 — TO PURCHASE FIRE TRUCK [ARTICLE]

TO PURCHASE FIRE TRUCK

COUNCIL DECIDES UPON AMER-ICAN-LAFRANCE FIRE TRUCK —SPLENDID INVESTMENT Although the contract has not yet been signed, the city council, through the recommendation of the siurchasing committee, has practicaly decided to purchase an AmericanLaFrance fire truck at a cost of 17,650, which will meet the approve aT of practically all our citizens. ‘ -The question of purchasing a fire truck has been hanging fire for several months and it was only after careful consideration that the members of the council decided to make the purchase. Rensselaer has been represented by a splendid fire company for many years, in fact it has stood well up among the cities of the state in this respect, and, only in the matter of a motorizing the fire equipment has the city stood still, while many of the smaller towns have made the advancement. , „ . — , The American-LaFrance is made by an Elmira, N. Y., concern, dealing exclusively in fire apparatus, and is regarded as the best fire truck on the market. The truck is strongly constructed to the minutest detail and the guaranty of the company is so rock-ribbed that there need be no fear but that the truck will meet every requirement. In addition the apparatus will be inspected twice each year by an expert from the company free of charge. . , The American-LaFrance is used by practically all of the larger cities. Its weight* is 7,500 pounds and has a 75-horse power motor, with a 1484pch wheel base, pie engine is made of solid steel with the exception of the base which is made of cast aluminum, making it lighter but just as substantial. The engine is so equipped that by a slight change a pump can be attached which will make it possible to throw a three-quarter inch stream, a volume sufficient to tear the shingles off of any building. However, this pump would be used only in extreme cases. It seems that the council has acted wisely in the matter and that the investment is a splendid one. In addition to giving added fire protection to the city it will give protection to the smaller towns of the vicinity, as the truck will travel at | a speed of fifty miles an hour. Although the expenditure will seem great to’ some few, nevertheless the I increased efficiency of the company and’ the satisfaction that the city is well protected from fire losses should serve to show that the investmept is a small one after all. In addition there will be the saving of over seven hundred dollars yearly which is now being spent for horse feed. With the disposal of the fire team the city teamster will also have many hours which may be given over to keeping the streets in condition. Other plans, not for publication at this time, which will be for the greater good of the city if the ‘ truck is purchased, are in the making at this time. The delivery of the truck will not be made for ninety days at least