Mercedes-Benz comes to Buckinghamshire’s rescue21 October 2010

Flood threats have led to Buckinghamshire's Fire & Rescue Service buying two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based 4x4 vans

The 5-tonne Sprinter 516CDIs – to be used as water rescue units – were chosen not only for their raised ride heights and off-road capabilities, but also their towing. Both pull trailers that carry four-metre inflatable boats.

Supplied by Mercedes UK's specialist emergency services department, the vans are medium length Dualiner models, with a second rows of seats. They have been converted by Walsall-based specialist Macneillie & Son, which fitted bulkheads and storage systems, blue lights and sirens, and also applied the liveries.

The service has also purchased two standard 5-tonne Sprinters, both Extra Long-bodied 519CDIs models, with factory-fitted automatic transmissions. These vehicles will be used during major incidents as operational support units.

"These new vehicles reflect the demands made of a modern fire and rescue service, and have been designed primarily by the firefighters who will use them," says station manager Paul Harrison, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's lead officer for water rescue.

"Because our Sprinters can carry up to six officers, as well as tow our rescue boats, we no longer have to send the remainder of the crew in an additional fire appliance every time we're called out," he adds.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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