Neville Island finally has its long-awaited new fire truck.

The 2007 American LaFrance Liberty Pumper has a 1500-gallon-per-minute pump and can hold 20 gallons of Class B Foam used for chemical fires.

The $276,760 vehicle also features a four-door enclosed cab that will carry six fire fighters.

David Kerr, township emergency management coordinator, said township officials chose the Class B foam because it is specially designed for chemical fires.

The fire department also has a smaller portable unit to carry Class A foam used for wood and car fires.

The vehicle will replace a 1980 American LaFrance pumper as soon as all emergency equipment has been transfered to the new vehicle.

The older truck did not have the enclosed cab, Kerr said. In the 1980s, firemen were permitted to ride on the tail board, but now the National Fire Protection Association requires all firefighters to sit inside the truck.

Each of the six fire fighters also will be equipped with their own head sets within the cab so that they can all listen to the radio and be prepared before they reach the scene of the fire.

The pumper was ordered from American LaFrance in Summerville, S.C., through the company's local representative, 1st Out Specialty Vehicle and Equipment located on Moon Clinton Road in Moon Township.

Delivery of the vehicle was delayed because of the company's move to the new Summerville Plant and because of the company's reorganization.

The truck was delivered to 1st Out in February where it was outfitted with graphics and emergeny equipment. During the week of April 7-12 the truck was on display in Indianaopolis at the Fire Department Instructors

Conference.

Along with the cost of the truck itself, another $25,000 was spent on portable equipment. The township will finance $167,760, and the fire department will pay for the rest through various fundraisers.

Denise Moore, township secretary, said the board of commissioners has allocated $20,000 for the next 10 years to the fire department for the truck purchase.

The department has two other pumpers, two squads, one rescue fire boat and two jet skis.