Built for the Mission: Walkerville Area Fire & Rescue

The Mission

Walkerville Area Fire & Rescue needed to replace a more than 20-year-old pumper with an apparatus that could do more than a traditional engine. Serving multiple rural communities, the department wanted a vehicle with off-road capability that could support firefighting, rescue operations, and the diverse demands of its response area.

The Challenge

The department was looking for an apparatus that could:

• Handle rural and off-road response conditions

• Serve as both a rescue vehicle and frontline pumper

• Carry specialized rescue equipment

• Provide ample hose, water, and equipment storage

• Be configured to support the way the department operates

After evaluating several manufacturers, Walkerville selected Spencer Manufacturing and worked closely with the design team to develop an apparatus tailored to its operational needs.

The Spencer Solution

Built on an International HV507 4×4 chassis, the custom rescue-pumper combines firefighting capability with rescue functionality in a compact, purpose-built platform.

Working alongside the department, Spencer configured the apparatus to include:

• Four-wheel-drive capability for improved access in rural conditions

• Dedicated storage for extrication equipment

• Through-the-tank storage for ladders, pike poles, and hard suction

• Slide-out trays for improved equipment access

• An enclosed pump panel

• Hose and compartment layouts configured around the department's operational preferences

The department also chose to configure the new rescue-pumper in many ways similar to its previous engine while adding the expanded capabilities it was seeking.

Operational Impact

Today, the rescue-pumper provides Walkerville Area Fire & Rescue with a versatile apparatus capable of handling structure fires, vehicle extrications, and rural emergency responses from a single platform.

By combining firefighting, rescue, and off-road capability into one apparatus, the department gained additional operational flexibility while maintaining a configuration developed around its specific needs.