A freshly upgraded Heavy Rescue Vehicle was delivered to the Forbes SES unit in a ceremony last Friday.
NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) Commissioner Carlene York APM presented the truck to Forbes Unit Commander Robert “Roc” Walshaw at the Unit’s headquarters.
It’s a big step up in capability compared to the Unit’s old rescue truck, according to Commander Walshaw.
“We can carry more equipment, and everything fits in the truck. It’s more powerful, and with the dual cab, we can carry more volunteers, so we don’t need to take a second vehicle,” he said.
“The new truck means we can better look after the people of Forbes during emergencies.”
This is the latest vehicle to be delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $116.04 million NSW SES Fleet Replacement Program.
“It’s great to see these vehicles delivered where they can really make a difference,” Commissioner York said.
“This is only one of hundreds of state-of-the-art vehicles we’re delivering around the state as part of our Fleet Replacement Program.”
The new Heavy Rescue Vehicle can be used for a range of land rescue tasks including road crash rescue, large animal rescue and industrial rescue.
It can also be used for storm operations, flood rescue and vertical rescue.
Last year, two High Clearance Vehicles (Unimogs) were delivered to the Forbes unit, where they played a crucial role in a series of flood rescues.
Forbes Unit Volunteer Ryan Jones was behind the wheel of one of the new Unimogs when he rescued a pregnant woman from floodwaters in November.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Photo: NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM with SES staff and volunteers.
