Borough to receive fire ladder truck from Con

MAT-SU— In an example of government and private sector working together, the West Lakes Fire Department is gaining the gift of a ladder truck from ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. The MAT-SU Borough is now celebrating the arrival of the free ladder truck, which is now valued at an estimated $80,000 to $100,000.

On Nov. 17 at 1 pm at West Lakes Station, there will be a short ceremony to recognize the importance of the truck donation.

“The newly-formed West Lakes Fire Department does not presently have the resources to purchase a new ladder truck. ConocoPhillips’ E-One ladder truck is a great example of an Alaska company coming to the aid of a local fire department, and we very much appreciate it,” said Chief Bill Gamble.

WHAT: Ladder Truck Donation from ConocoPhillips

WHEN:; Thursday, Nov. 17, 1 pm

WHERE: Station 7-1, West Lakes, Marty J Fine Public Safety Bldg.

(Off Parks on Pittman, 1685 N Pittman Rd. mile 2.2 Pittman Road, Meadow Lakes)

WHO: Borough Mayor, Borough Manager, Assembly Member Vern Halter, representatives from ConocoPhillips and Carlile Trucking

A ladder truck was one of the items suggested for the new West Lakes Fire Dept. so it could maintain and possibly improve its ISO rating. Insurance companies often base insurance rates on this rating standard. A good rating can save homeowners money on insurance rates. Gamble said this new ladder truck allows firefighters to handle structures that are three to four stories high.

In ConocoPhillips’ world on the North Slope, earlier this year the Kuparuk Fire Dept. upgraded its fleet and purchased a taller ladder truck, making this truck available for auction or donation, ConocoPhillips stated. The truck is a 1984 Emergency One Aerial Truck with 80-foot stratosphere ladder. The truck is fully certified for use. West Lakes Fire Department’s Assistant Chief John Fairchild is an on-call responder for MAT-SU but also a fulltime Captain and employee for ConocoPhillips.

“I knew John would never make this suggestion unless the fire truck was in good working condition. I jumped at the opportunity and we began the process to get the truck, “Gamble said.

Carlile Trucking transported the ladder truck from the North Slope to MAT-SU free of charge. They did the same for another donated piece of equipment two years ago.  

For more information call Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at 745-9577, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.