The Shaker Heights Fire Department considers Bates to be vital to public safety and a
true hero. “Crews going to fires face many hazards, and having reliable equipment is
critically important to them,” says Chief Sweeney.
The lifespan of a fire truck is about two decades: 15 years of front line service and
another five in reserve status. Recently, Shaker traded in a decommissioned 1995 fire engine,
sent a 1991 ladder truck to the Western Reserve Fire Museum, and donated a 2004 rescue
vehicle to University Hospitals for use in their community medicine program. With input
from Bates, a new ladder truck is now being built at a facility in Wisconsin. From the moment
the new truck arrives, and is ceremoniously pushed into the station, it will be meticulously
cared for and maintained by Bates himself, which guarantees that it will be operational for
decades to come.
“We must ensure that our professionals are of the highest caliber, character, and
competence,” says Chief Sweeney, “and Chuck Bates exemplifies those qualities in everything
he does.” SL
For more about Chuck Bates and his work, watch the video at http://bit.ly/chuck-bates
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