Rescue Fire Company

Cambridge 5-0 vote to replace Tower 1-1


By Firefighter Kevin Carr
August 30, 2021

The Officers & Members of Rescue Fire Company Inc. would like to send A BIG “THANK YOU” to the Mayor and Commissioners of the City of Cambridge for the purchase of a new Aerial Tower! The new 100’ Aerial Tower will be replacing the current front line and SOLE aerial resource for the city. The current 1994 100’ Rear Mount Aerial Tower has provided the City of Cambridge, Dorchester County and its citizens continuous fire protection, countless residential/technical rescues and community details throughout its lifetime. From multiple alarm fires to high rise hotel fires, all the way to even the occasional cat rescue from A tree, Tower 1-1 and RFC has always been there. Not only will the updated technology and operations be improving with the new purchase, so does the maneuverability of the apparatus. The new Aerial Tower will be approx 5’ shorter in the Overall Length of the vehicle, and have a 6” shorter wheel base. This will allow the apparatus to have a smaller (tighter) turn radius and a shorter over hang/length, for better maneuverability on incidents and throughout the city streets. As a reminder, this specific piece of apparatus will have a MAJOR impact in the current ISO rating for the City of Cambridge and it’s residents, assisting in keeping the lowest insurance rates for all property owners, specifically those with limited vertical access (over 35’ tall). Again, special “Thank You” to the City of Cambridge Mayor and Commissioners who made this possible. This is just one small step forward in the overall replacement process of a partially outdated apparatus fleet with an evolving and increasing over head maintenance cost. We will continue to work on the replacement of those apparatus moving forward to better suit the citizens we serve! Andrew Bradshaw - Mayor Brian Roche - Ward One Commissioner Lajan Cephas - Ward 2 Commissioner (Council President) Jameson Harrington - Ward 3 Commissioner Sputty Cephas - Ward 4 Commissioner Chad Malkus - Ward 5 Commissioner

Units:	Chief 1, Chief 1-1, Chief 1-2, Engine 1-3, Engine 1-2, Tower 1-1, Rescue Engine 1-1, Engine 1-4, Rescue 1-1, Haz-mat 1-1, Brush 1-1, Boat 1-1

1965 Seagrave KT Tractor Drawn 100’ Ladder

1994 Pierce Lance 100’ Tower Ladder

On August 23, 2021 The Mayor & Council voted 5-0 to purchase A New Aerial Tower... Lajan Cephas - Ward 2, Andrew Bradshaw - Mayor, Sputty Cephas - Ward 4, Brian Roche - Ward 1, Chad Malkus - Ward 5, Jameson Harrington - Ward 3

Scott H Wheatley	September 01, 2021 at 8:06 AM

This is great news and well overdue. I realize some of the younger members do not know me. (They are better off) However, during the '90s and early 2000's I spent many days/nights/hours in Tower-1 which would later be known as Tower 1-1. This is long overdue to the city and with hopes that the continued replacement of overdue and outdated equipment continues. Cambridge is a unique city and we are blessed to have the assertive and aggressive members that the RFC members continue today. Great job to you all. Stay safe and take care of one another.

Scott H Wheatley	September 01, 2021 at 10:44 AM

This is great news and well overdue. I realize some of the younger members do not know me. (They are better off) However, during the '90s and early 2000's I spent many days/nights/hours in Tower-1 which would later be known as Tower 1-1. This is long overdue to the city and with hopes that the continued replacement of overdue and outdated equipment continues. Cambridge is a unique city and we are blessed to have the assertive and aggressive members that the RFC members continue today. Great job to you all. Stay safe and take care of one another.