New rescue truck for SES

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley, SES Chief Officer Trevor White with Emerald Unit Controller Ben Owen inspecting the new truck as other members look on. 147051_01 Picture: COURTESY DALE FRANKLAND

By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM

EMERGENCY Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley visited Emerald on Monday night for the official handover of a new SES rescue truck.
Mr Lapsley visited the unit with SES Chief Officer Trevor White to inspect facilities and equipment including the truck, which was delivered this week.
The new vehicle, a $500,000 Hino truck, is a replacement for the unit’s Primary Rescue Vehicle, which will now be deployed to a country unit elsewhere in Victoria.
At the handover event, Mr Lapsley spoke of the role of emergency management and emphasised the critical part services such as the SES play in protecting the community.
He took the opportunity to congratulate the Emerald unit on their ability and willingness to work with other agencies.
During the visit, the unit demonstrated their rescue skills by cutting a casualty out of a donated Hyundai.
The unit is going from strength to strength, and has recently ordered a new dual cab Ute, hopefully to be delivered before Christmas. It will be invaluable to crews during the fire season, as it is used to rapidly respond to reports of trees on roads to keep routes clear for emergency services and evacuating residents.
The Emerald SES has so far responded to 540 requests for assistance in 2015, significantly less than last year.