The Minister for Emergency Services, Troy Grant, assistant and deputy commissioners of NSW Fire and Rescue plus Parliamentary Secretary to the Hunter, Scot MacDonald MLC, visited Raymond Terrace on Friday, just hours after the truck rolled into town.

Mr Grant said the new Mercedes Benz fire truck would increase firefighters’ ability to deal with urban and bush fires, road accidents, chemical spills and other emergencies in the area.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing our dedicated firefighters with the best equipment and technology available,” he said.

“This state-of-the-art vehicle, known as a class two pumper, features high pressure pump capable of delivering 3000 litres of water per minute. It is fitted with all the safety features of a modern firefighting vehicle.”

The new truck will replace the unit’s 15-year-old pumper.

While the old truck served the unit well, advances in firefighting technology during the past 15 years will see firefighters enjoy modern comforts during call outs.

The new truck is slightly higher meaning firefighters will have a better view of the road, has LED lights, a reversing camera, more reflective stickers plus an electronic sign on the rear to display warning messages.

The interior is more comfortable and the electronic operating system that firefighters use to communicate and log incidents has been improved upon.

Firefighters will spend the next week moving equipment from the old truck into the new one and learning the ins and outs of the vehicle. From Thursday, March 29, the new truck will be on active duty.

Raymond Terrace Fire and Rescue captain Dennis Peters said the new vehicle was “great”.

“It really motivates the crew when we receive new equipment and it’s really good for the community,” he said.

Mr Grant, who opened the new Wallsend fire station before his visit to Raymond Terrace on Friday morning, said the truck delivery was part of FRNSW’s fleet upgrade, but added that it was “timely”.

“The challenges for our firefighters are getting larger and larger,” he said.

“They need modern equipment to face those challenges, and replacing the old fleet is part of that process.

“Raymond Terrace not only responds to house fires, hazardous and rescue call outs but are involved in fire education, they’re out there looking at smoke alarms and doing a lot of community work, which is really significant.

“This truck will enable them to continue doing their great work in the community.”