Potato Point Rural Fire Brigade took delivery of a new latest model tanker last week, replacing their 26-year-old pumper affectionately known as 'Spud 1'.
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Station captain, Geoff Radcliffe said jokingly, "In another couple of years we could have put historic vehicle plates on it."
"Mind you, for its time it was a state-of-the-art brigade built truck and even up until now it is a good serviceable truck, though it doesn't have all the safety features that are on the new truck," he said.
Group officer Mick Anderson and three other firefighters picked up the new vehicle in Sydney during the week and on Saturday it was on show for the general public and firefighters to look at.
"The new vehicle is the very latest in bushfire fighting technology with new and better safety features," he said.
"It has forward and reverse infrared camera's that enable you to see fires through the smoke at night along with a halo system that has been modified to be more efficient.
"On the front of the truck there is a remote control water cannon that fires remotely from inside or outside the vehicle and the truck is an automatic not manual.
"I think the automatic transmission will attract more fire fighters putting their hand up to be drivers," Mr Anderson said.
Potato Point's old pumper 'Spud 1' will now be decommissioned and off for sale at auction.
"Spud 1 is a legend and a incredible piece of fire fighting equipment, that, and the work done by Potato Point firefighters during the January bushfires is absolutely unbelievable," Mr Anderson said.
"I would like to see every brigade in the area get a new vehicle, although 'Spuddy Point' is most deserving of this vehicle.
"Potato Point has been meticulous in their maintenance of 'Spud 1' and they will no doubt continue with the new Category 1."
Mr Anderson went on to remind people that they still had to remain vigilant burning off.
"Even though we are getting rain at the moment there is still a large amount of fuel around.
"Residents must take care when they are doing a pile burn, make sure its safe, notify neighbours and the local RFS fire station.
"And we still need boots on the ground. The training is thorough, but enjoyable because we are a very team oriented organisation that needs a few more people on board," Mr Anderson said.
