Fighting higher and higher- The Dandenong Fire Brigade received a new 42 metre long extension ladder and two new Heavy Pumpers last week. 54687

By Lia Bichel
DANDENONG firefighters are reaching new heights, thanks to a major donation received last week.
On Thursday, Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos handed over the keys to two Heavy Pumpers and a Bronto Aerial Ladder Platform.
Dandenong fire officer Robert Cochrane said the vehicles replace equipment which is at least 20 years old.
“They are a great advancement in technology and it will certainly enable us to combat fires and deal with fire far more efficiently and quickly,” he said.
The Heavy Pumpers, each worth $660,000, feature new technology which improves response capability and fire fighter safety.
They were funded through the CFA Vehicle Replacement Program.
The ladder platform, worth $1.6 million, is a fire truck equipped with a long extension ladder allowing firefighters to rescue from heights up to 42 metres.
It features state-of-the-art computerised operational systems which improve operation safety for firefighters.
Mr Cochrane said the Dandenong Fire Brigade is the busiest operational integrated fire station in CFA. He said there were about 50 staff and 30 volunteers who attend about 2000 calls a year.
The brigade provides specialist technical rescue capabilities, including road accident and rope rescue, high angle and confined space rescue, chemical biological and radioactive response.
Both career staff and volunteers had significant involvement in the Black Saturday fires. Crews responded to fires at Bunyip Ridge, Kinglake and were deployed to Healesville to undertake asset protection.
Dandenong crews also spent time assisting with combating the methane incident at Brookland Greens in Cranbourne in 2008.
The brigade is also involved in educating programs, including the ‘Fit to Drive’ program for school students, which promotes road safety awareness and responsible driving.
Mr Pandazopoulos said the new assets would be a welcome addition to the brigade.
“On behalf of all Victorians, I would like to thank the members of Dandenong Fire Brigade for their service to their community,” he said.
“We recognise the extraordinary skills, dedication and community mindedness of our firefighters.
“The state government values the important work of Victoria’s emergency service and is committed to ensuring they have all the necessary resources to perform their role.”