Heavy Rescue 1h got an official wet welcome when it officially went into service Thursday. (Photos/ Osceola County)
Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS has a new piece of equipment that can do it all.
Heavy Rescue 1, called a “toolbox on wheels” in firefighting circles, went into service last week with a traditional “wet-down” ceremony in NeoCity. The 42-foot custom Sutphen model looks like a traditional fire engine—until its bay doors swing open.
Inside you’ll find—or more importantly, firefighters will find— nearly all the highly-specialized tools and equipment designed for responding to complex hazardous materials (HazMat) and technical rescue emergencies. It’s manned by highly trained firefighters for situations where people are trapped, injured, or in dangerous environments.
Osceola County Fire Chief Larry Collier said the Heavy Rescue program, which got its start in the 1990s, is a logical next step for first responder special operations in the county.
“It has had several different levels of capabilities and has utilized various models of deployment to provide specially trained and equipped personnel to serve the community in unique circumstances,” he said. “This step is a testament to the continued support of the (county commissioners) and the guidance of the County Manger to the future vision of public safety in Osceola County.”
While its response area is Countywide, Heavy Rescue 1 will be housed at Station 45 on Calypso Cay Way near U.S. 192 and Vineland Road. OCFR officials say by operating county-wide, Heavy Rescue 1 will reduce the necessity for other responder units to have to operate outside of their primary response area, which should result in improved response times to emergencies across Osceola County.
The heavy rescue unit is a popular tool among responders. The City of Kissimmee Fire Department put one of its own into commission in February of this year.
