By Dave Ryan

CAMBRIDGE — Citizens will soon see a new vehicle on the scene of emergencies, as the City of Cambridge has bought a new tower truck for Rescue Fire Company (RFC). The vehicle will be built by Atlantic Emergency Solutions of Manassas, Virginia.
The new 100-foot aerial tower will replace the current front line and sole aerial resource for the city, a statement from RFC said on Aug. 29. The current 1994 100-foot rear mount aerial tower has provided city and county residents fire protection, residential/technical rescues and community details throughout its lifetime.
“From a multi-alarm fire, to a high-rise hotel fire, all the way to even the occasional cat rescue from tree, Tower 1-1 and RFC have always been there,” the statement said. “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 approximately five feet shorter than the overall length of the vehicle, and have a six-inch shorter wheel base.”
These features will allow the apparatus to have a tighter turn radius and a shorter overhang length, for better maneuverability on incidents and throughout city streets.
“As a reminder, this specific apparatus also has a major role in the current ISO rating for the City of Cambridge and its residents, assisting in keeping the lowest insurance rates for all property owners, specifically those with limited vertical access,” the statement said.
RFC members sent special thanks to the Cambridge mayor and council members, and other government officials 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“This is just one small step forward in the overall replacement process of a partially outdated apparatus fleet with an evolving and increasing overhead maintenance cost,” the statement said. “We will continue to work on the replacement of those apparatuses moving forward to better suit the citizens we serve.”
Atlantic Emergency Solutions Senior Vice President Brian Bashista said in a prepared statement, “Thank you Rescue Fire Company of Cambridge, Maryland for your recent order of a Pierce Arrow XT Ascendant 100’ HD Aerial Tower.” The firm provided the following specifications for the truck:
• 67” cab
• 43’ 2” OAL / 10’ 11” OAH
• TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension
• Cummins 600 HP Engine
• Front/Side Airbags
• HIVIZ Lighting System
• Waterous 1500 GPM Pump
• Harrison 6KW Generator
• 300 gallons water
Rescue Fire Company is recruiting new members. Anyone interested is asked to reach out for more information, by calling 410-228-1670.