A new state-of-the-art Police Rescue truck, equipped with a high-tech vertical winch and a drone, will be rolled out today in the Blue Mountains.
The Hino 1424 Medium Rigid Crew Cab is the first of a new fleet of heavy vehicle trucks being delivered to the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW.
The vehicles are outfitted with the latest specialist equipment such as drones, a vertical rescue ascender, 100 tonne hydraulic cylinders, extended duration breathing apparatus, and road crash rescue hydraulics with electric rewind reels.
Police will use the vertical rescue ascender, along with a remotely piloted aircraft (drone), for rescue and recovery operations in hard-to-reach areas, such as on cliffs and in bushland.
2020 was a busy year for Police Rescue in the Blue Mountains area, which saw an influx of outdoor enthusiasts following lockdowns and amid border closures.
Mr Elliott said this is the first of 11 new heavy rescue trucks that will be delivered to metropolitan and regional locations across the state.
"This is a major investment by the NSW Government to support the important work of our police rescue officers. It will pay dividends for years to come, providing a responsive and well-equipped rescue capability to serve the people of NSW," Mr Elliott said.
"This new rescue truck in the Blue Mountains is part of the replacement of the state's Heavy Rescue fleet which will deliver 11 vehicles to the areas that need them."
The trucks are being delivered as part of the major capital program "Specialised Vehicle Replacement" over multiple years, which finishes in 2022 with a total program budget of $6.750m.
The lighter, custom made trucks have seating for six people and will replace the Medium Rescue truck.
With enhanced equipment storage, the Hino 1424 Medium Rigid Crew Cab has been designed by operators to ensure improved accessibility to equipment and has been fitted with the most up-to-date technology.
"The Heavy Rescue trucks have been purpose-built based on the specifications of our rescue officers," said Commander of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton APM.
"Initial testing has been very positive, and we are confident that this new class of rescue truck will greatly assist our officers to deliver enhanced rescue responses across the state."
Key features of the new Heavy Rescue truck include:
• Galvanised steel sub-frame body
• Remotely piloted aircraft (drone)
• Vertical rescue ascender
• GPS Road-Routing estimated time-of-arrival
• Touch screen electrical operation
• 16,500-pound bulbar mounted recovery winch
• Equipment storage ergonomics with out and down drawer systems and retractable side steps.
The NSW Police Force will take delivery all outstanding heavy rescue trucks over the course of 2021, with six to be based in metropolitan locations and five regionally located.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
