The Reno Fire Department launches their new heavy rescue vehicle, showcasing all the bells and whistles needed for high risk life saving situations.

A state-of-the-art, custom built set of wheels with special features and a variety of life saving tools.

The heavy rescue vehicle is designed with a platform of tools and equipment to help rescue people in major emergency situations.  From structural collapses, trench or excavation entrapments, to confined spaces in every possible angle, this truck will extend rescue efforts beyond the basic fire vehicle.  

We had the opportunity first hand to take part in one of their demonstrations and experience the process of how fire team is sent down for water rescues.

According to Peter Briant, Division Chief at the Reno Fire Department, "They're capabilities are such that for mass catastrophes, such as an earthquake where we had collapsed buildings, we can use the shoring and the tools, to be able to stabilize a building from collapsing further."

The new modernized equipment upgrades, will allow the fire rescue team to operate more effectively in all life-threatening, high-risk situations.

David Cochran, RFD's Fire Chief says. "We have a heavy rescue vehicle that we've been using its almost 40 years old, so this is a huge upgrade, and kudos to our whole team to the representatives from Makita who are here with us today as well, for all the work they did to outfit this vehicle and make it as function-able as possible."

The mechanics and operational elements, will allow the Urban Search and Rescue Team to navigate through complex operations alongside the Reno Fire Department on a larger scale.  A much-needed, big boost that enhances rescue efforts in all emergency situations.

RFD is the only fire department in northern Nevada fitted with this type of vehicle.