MADISON – Madison Fire and Rescue Department has secured a new ladder truck.

The department held a dedication ceremony on Oct. 2. Rev. John Dees led the invocation and expressed appreciation that the community has received this emergency vehicle for residents’ safety.

“In times of need in this community, you are the one who come to folk’s aid,” Mayor Paul Finley said to Madison firefighters in attendance.

“You are trained well. Every time I hear from our citizens, they talk about the incredible job that you do. We are so appreciative of everything that Madison Fire Department does,” Finley said.

City leaders actually purchased the 100-foot aerial platform or ‘ladder’ truck two years ago. Construction work required that time for manufacturers to construct and deliver the equipment.

“We’ll have this apparatus for many years. We’re getting ready to push it in (to the station) for the very first time,” Fire Chief David Bradley said about their symbolic, traditional act.

Firefighters have rigged the vehicle with needed auxiliary equipment and striping. They have completed training for using the truck and its devices and ready the take the truck on calls.