Narrabri SES has been designated a new, fully-equipped truck for emergency purposes.
The volunteer agency based on Reid Street provides continual emergency service response. It has been rewarded with a fourth-generation Mercedes Sprinter.
The previous vehicle only sat three people for a four-person team and weathered 24 years.
The truck, designed for storm response and level one and two flood response, arrived recently at the SES base.
SES crew member Sarah Rushton said the truck is a fantastic addition and has been a long time coming.
“It’s a huge relief as none of our previous vehicles had been kitted out like this truck,” Mrs Rushton said.
“We can go to any SES vehicle that looks like this and everything will be in the same spot. All the trucks have been standardised.”
Easily recognised in their orange overalls, SES crew members have become a defining symbol for community rescue and help.
The SES official roles include responding to storm, floods and tsunamis along with general rescue efforts.
“We mainly are called out for storms, but obviously if there were a flood we would be there,” Mrs Rushton said.
“SES have their own fleet, so they look at the oldest vehicles out in fleet and replace them first.”
Fellow Narrabri SES crew member Jake Bradford welcomed the modernised truck.
“The trucks are rolled out fully equipped, which is great for us as it updates all our equipment,” Mr Bradford said.
“This is the first stage of the service’s fleet replacement program. They have just started the second stage, which is rolling out flood boats.
“We wanted to thank the fleet and our Commissioner Carlene Wilks, who has gone around and met everyone and pushed for the upgrade.
“I’m looking forward to giving it a test drive.
Make sure to look out for the SES orange-and-white truck driving past.
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