VIDEO: The Cary Fire Department has put the first electric fire truck on the East Coast into service. The town said it is a powerful step forward in their ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The electric pumper’s quiet operation creates a calmer and safer working environment, where firefighters hear each other more clearly. “Reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to public safety. It’s the foundation of every decision we make about fire response equipment,” Fire Chief Mike Cooper said. With the ability to operate in full-electric mode and transition to diesel backup when needed, the electric truck is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% over its expected 20-year lifespan.
