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Alex Cabrero ReportingDoctors in the Riverdale area might start seeing more firefighters with neck cramps. It's not that anything is wrong with them, it's just that they've been looking up a lot more lately.
Riverdale is one of those growing areas, not only across, but up. As taller buildings are built, the fire department wants to make sure they're protected. If your home or business is more than two stories high, you'll be glad to see it - Riverdale's fire department just got a brand new ladder truck.
Shon Warren: "It just seems to get higher and higher."
Rookie firefighter Shon Warren wanted to show it off.
Shon Warren: "It's a lot higher than what it looks."
Their old truck only reached 45 feet, but this big daddy goes up a hundred.
Shon Warren, Riverdale Fire Dept.: "This truck is definitely something the city deserves and needs."
With all the growth in Riverdale recently, and plenty more coming, it was time the city started thinking about high-rise fire protection.
Capt. Dave Ermer, Riverdale Fire Dept.: "In the 10 years we've been here, our commercial growth has been astronomical."
So they bought this truck, and it went into service Tuesday.
Dave Ermer: "We were all pretty excited. It was kind of like, compared to having a kid."
Leave it to a firefighter to compare a newborn with a truck.
Shon Warrn: "This is our new baby."
But in all seriousness, getting something like this jst shows the city is growing, nd with taller residential areas about to be built, it's better to have it before the first big fire, rather than after. And with training, maybe it won't seem so high up.
Dave Ermer: "It's just a fear you have to deal with."
The city paid about $550,000 for the truck. We're told it is the largest check the city wrote all at once. But ask firefighter, and they'll say you can't put a price on saving a life.
