City of Golden Valley issued the following announcement on Dec. 11.
The Golden Valley Fire Department recently rolled out its first hybrid rescue vehicle, introducing the City of Golden Valley’s first hybrid of any kind. The 2020 Ford Explorer went into service Nov 20.
The Golden Valley City Council approved the purchase in January 2020, but delivery of the vehicle was delayed due to COVID-19.
Golden Valley Deputy Fire Chief Ted Massicotte said the department had been looking to implement a hybrid vehicle into its lineup for a while and they did as soon as they were able to.
“2020 was the first year the Explorer was offered as a hybrid,” he said. “Buying one for the fire department will serve as a trial before the City hopefully rolls out more.”
Massicotte also said the cost of the 2020 model played a big role in the decision to purchase, and the benefits of the hybrid outweigh the slightly increased price of the vehicle.
“The cost increase between a normal SUV and the hybrid is minimal, he said. “We are most excited about saving on fuel.”
The vehicle is the one of the first of many “green” alternatives the GVFD plans to work into its operations. Massicotte says switching to electric tools is something the department is also looking in to.
“Technology is improving all the time,” he said. “Hopefully soon we’ll be able to switch to battery operated extrication tools and fans so we can reduce emissions and reduce anything our firefighters may be exposed to.”
Because they are used for emergency response, Fire Department SUVs are replaced every five years. The old SUV will now be used by the Public Works Department.
For more information on the new hybrid vehicle, contact the Golden Valley Fire Department at 763-593-8079.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Golden Valley
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