City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania - Fire Chief Donald Leshko
Overview:
- City Class - 3rd Class
- City Population - 35,680
- Fire Department - Combination Paid and Volunteer, Firefighters - 21 Paid/300 Volunteer
- Coverage Area - 50.7 Square Miles
- Apparatus - 9 Vehicles
When Fire Chief Donald Leshko evaluates purchasing new apparatus he takes into careful consideration which apparatus manufacturer would give him the level of quality, reliability, customization and customer service he needs.
In the end, however, his choice of manufacturer is driven most by safety for both his team and the citizens they protect – a direct influence from his experience in a fire several years ago.
On a freezing cold December night, the city of Hazleton was hit with the most devastating fire in the history of the department. The building was a 7-story structure made of heavy timber and concrete. There was fire on all 7 floors of the building with extensions to the building next door.
Leading charge in the battle to end the blaze was Hazleton’s 1992 KME Renegade Engine, a 2002 KME Panther Engine, and a 1995 KME 102' Aerialcat Ladder – part of four total apparatus Hazleton had in service. The KME apparatus not only pumped for over 12 hours while enduring sub-zero freezing temperatures, none of the apparatus missed a beat and performed just as flawlessly as they did the day they went into service.
So, in 2008 when it was time to for Hazleton to purchase another pumper engine, KME apparatus became the city’s choice. With the help and support of their dealer and their Sales Engineer they built the truck exactly to the needs of the City. The 2008 Predator Panther came complete with a full flow 4" LDH discharge on the officer's side of the engine, low height crosslays for ease of use and safety, a front intake valve at the front bumper, barrier cab doors, and many items specifically specified for the Department's needs.
Being able to view the production of the apparatus was also a priority for the department. KME made it happen by allowing frequent trips to the factory to see the truck being built step-by-step. Each time the department visited, they were met by the same courteous staff as the first day they walked in.
During its first year in service, Hazleton’s new engine responded to over 500 calls and had a down time of 10 hours total, of which 5 of those hours were for its annual preventative maintenance.
"The true spark and dedication in these great pieces of fire apparatus come from the employees who manufacture and build them,” expresses Fire Chief Donald Leshko. “Most of the fine people are also firefighters, EMT's or Emergency Service Workers.”
Chief Leshko continues, “[KME] knows all too well that the fire apparatus they are building today could be saving the lives of their family, friends, neighbors and fellow firefighters tomorrow. They know that people's lives are on the line and are depending on the fire apparatus they help build. That's why you want a KME Fire Apparatus in your station."
