20-03-2025
Colchester creates truck meant to protect first responders on highways
COLCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) — Colchester fire officials say the 'alarming increase' of accidents involving emergency vehicles prompted them to create a new truck specifically designed to protect first responders.
The 'Scorpion 328' was placed into service on March 13, according to fire officials on Thursday, who said their FLEET Maintenance team had first responders' safety in mind when they put the truck together.
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'In 2024, we saw an alarming increase in accidents involving fire apparatus, police vehicles and DOT trucks parked at highway incidents. Some of these accidents resulted in fatalities,' fire officials said in a statement.
'With our personnel's safety a top priority, we thought outside the box and worked on a new initiative for highway safety from an emergency services perspective,' they continued.
The new unit has a crash attenuator to provide a barrier of protection and take on impact if a vehicle does drive into it. It also has emergency lights and a large arrow board to warn incoming drivers and provide them redirection.
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Colchester officials said they are the second fire department in Connecticut to acquire an apparatus of this nature. The other one is operated by the Norwalk Fire Department.
Colchester's was funded by two Department of Transportation Highway Safety Grants.
Fire officials remind drivers it's the law to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency incident, broken down vehicle or construction site.
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