The Waterbury (Conn.) Fire Department recently received a new shop truck to help keep its vehicle fleet running with minimum downtime.

According to Bttn. Chief Rick Hart, the shop truck is an integral part of the department’s preventive maintenance program and is equipped to handle jobs ranging from changing tires to replacing light bulbs. It also allows technicians to lubricate undercarriage components, dispense fuel and measure and adjust brake throw in the field to minimize travel times and fuel costs.

The truck is built on a 2008 Chevrolet 4500 4x4 chassis with an 11-foot Knapheide utility body. Additional body, paint and lighting work was performed by Universal Welding in nearby Watertown, Conn. The all-wheel drive provides good ground clearance and helps ensure mobility in snow.

Equipment includes a 100-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank and dispensing pump with a 50-foot hose reel. Compressed air is provided by an engine-driven compressor with a Honda 5.5-hp engine and 30-gallon tank. A Honda 4.5-kw generator provides power for tools. The lubrication system is air powered. A 1,250-pound lift gate allows the easy loading and unloading of heavy parts and equipment.

Congratulations to the Waterbury Fire Department for its well-designed shop truck.