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Belle Valley's repaired tower truck returning to service [Erie Times-News, Pa.](Erie Times-News (PA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 31--The Belle Valley Fire Department's tower truck is about to return to service. The 2010 truck, built by Sutphen Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, was pulled from service and sent to the manufacturer in early July after the tower's cables snapped and the ladder closed quickly while the truck was being used at Wattsburg Hose Co.'s station on June 25. Three firefighters were injured in the accident. A number of repairs and improvements were made to the truck, including stronger cables and a heavier main raising block, department officials said. The work would have cost Belle Valley about $175,000 if they had to pay for it, department President Jeff Skonieczki said today. Sutphen Corp. accepted responsibility for the problem and made the repairs and upgrades. It was determined that the wrong raising and lowering cables were installed on the tower's upper boom when the ladder was rebuilt after receiving damage in a May 2011 fire in Harborcreek Township, Belle Valley officials said in July. Belle Valley officials went to Sutphen Corp.'s headquarters on Thursday to do a final inspection and of the repaired ladder. It is expected to return to Erie later today and will be put back into service immediately, Skonieczki said. ___ (c)2014 the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) Visit the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) at www.GoErie.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |