Melrose Firefighters Learn about Fuel Truck Safety Features
MELROSE FREE PRESS
Melrose Firefighters Learn About Fuel Truck Safety Features
by Andy Frongillo
MELROSE – Earlier this month, Melrose firefighters were brought up-to-date with the latest fuel tank and trailer safety technology.
At the request of Melrose Fire Department, Dennis K. Burke, Inc. brought their company’s safety team to the Main Street firehouse to help firemen learn more about fuel truck safety. The Chelsea-based fuel distributor offered presentation on three days to accommodate the shifts and schedules of the firemen. Burke recently offered similar programs to the Revere, Cambridge and Norwood Fire Departments.
When the Burke Safety Team visits with one of the local Fire Departments, they take along a fuel trailer for firefighters to get a hands-on tour of current trailer technology.
“For many of these guys, it’s the first opportunity to check out these vehicles in a non-emergency situation,” notes Burke Safety Director Matt Manoli. “We try to share our drivers’ experiences. We address some of the hazards that drivers might encounter while making deliveries or just traveling through the city.”
There were great discussions regarding placarding, responding to hazards, and learning about a trailer’s emergency shut-off mechanisms. Emphasizing that it was a hands-on demonstration, Manoli then pointed to the top of the trailer and urged the firemen to climb up and look inside the tank compartments, ask questions and try to get familiar with the vehicle’s emergency safety features.
“For 50 years, our focus has been on delivering fuel safely,” adds Manoli, “we’re really proud of the reputation we’ve earned over the years, and this additional role that we can play in our community.”