Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 26, 2025 New fire apparatus arrives Tower 1 can be raised to 100 feet and allows firefighters to safely handle rescue operations at great heights (Editor’s Note: The Town Manager’s Office issued the following press release this week.) T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Fire Chief Michael Newbury are thrilled to announce the arrival of a state-of-theart tower (ladder) fire apparatus that will significantly improve the Saugus Fire Department’s ability to safely respond to emergencies and provide a major benefit to residents for years to come. The tower fire apparatus, called Tower 1, is a specialized vehicle that comes equipped with a bucket at the end of its boon that can be raised to 100 feet and allows firefighters to safely handle rescue operations at great heights. The Tower 1 bucket can be lowered or extended out horizontally to assist firefighters with water rescues and other emergency responses. The vehicle also boasts T3 rear steering that offers increased maneuverability and a better turning radius in tight spaces, a backup camera, and numerous enhanced public safety features. Saugus Fire Chief Michael Newbury explained that the 43-foot-long Tower 1 was custom designed based on outstanding commitment, visionary leadership, and forward-looking initiatives over the years. He highlighted the Chief’s role in further professionalizing the department and guiding it successfully into the 21st century to better serve his firefighters and the Saugus community. Crabtree also credited the IT’S HERE! Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Saugus Fire Department officials welcomed the recent arrival of a new fire truck – Tower 1, which will replace Ladder 1 as a frontline vehicle operating out of the Public Safety Building on Hamilton Street. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) the Saugus Fire Department’s needs. Each compartment on the tower fire apparatus was designed to fit equipment that firefighters utilize on a day-to-day basis. “This is really a moving toolbox,” Chief Newbury said. “Tower 1 has all the specialized equipment and things that firefighters rely on for the job.” Chief Newbury praised his staff for playing an instrumental role in working with Pierce Manufacturing on the design process to ensure that Tower 1 met the Fire Department’s expectations. Town Manager Crabtree recognized Chief Newbury’s Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting for their support and approval of the new tower fire apparatus. Replacing older fire apparatus with new vehicles is a key part of the ongoing effort to prioritize public safety through capital improvement projects, he said. “I can’t thank Chief Newbury, the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and Saugus residents enough for their continued support for public safety improvement projects such as Tower 1,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “The Chief’s vision and their backing was crucial to making this happen. It’s truly impressive how much we can accomplish when everyone is on the same page about the importance of public safety.” Tower 1 will be deployed REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: The new ladder truck called Tower 1 can be raised to 100 feet. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) FIRE APPARATUS | SEE PAGE 11 The Pumpkins are coming tomorrow! T he citizens of Saugus will be ready to welcome “The Pumpkin Patch” for the 23rd year tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 27) when a tractor trailer – full of hundreds of pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, N.M. – makes its annual visit at Saugus Center. The “Pumpkin Truck” is expected to arrive at First Congregational Church on Hamilton Street at about 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help unload the truck. The Annual Pumpkin Patch will run from September 27 through Halloween, October 31. Pumpkins of all sizes will be displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to help staff the various shifts for the selling of pumpkins. If interested, please contact Carl Spencer (781-233-9196). “THE PUMPKIN PATCH” offers a great way to get in the fall spirit. Saugus is one of several communities participating in a program called Pumpkin Patch USA, which coordinates the destination of the pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation to communities all over the country. The church and the Navajo Reservation both benefit from the sale of pumpkins. But the agreement the church has with Pumpkin Patch USA won’t allow the sale of any pumpkins after Halloween. Any leftover pumpkins on Nov. 1 will be available for free. THE ORANGE GLOW REVISITED: The Pumpkin Patch is set to return for the 23rd year tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 27). Church members and community volunteers from a previous year are shown unloading the “Pumpkin Truck” on the lawn of First Congregational Church in Saugus Center. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
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