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Lincoln Fire Officials Disagree on Firetruck vs. Pickup Test

lincoln-fire-truck(AP) — Lincoln fire officials still disagree on whether first responders with a geared-up pickup can handle some calls that traditionally have been handled by firefighters with fully equipped firetrucks.

Last May the department outfitted a pickup and gave captains the authority to take it on minor medical calls.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue Capt. Jeff Gottbreht says that he’s concluded the Alternative Response Vehicle is risky to take on some calls because it doesn’t carry enough equipment to handle each emergency.

But Battalion Chief Eric Jones thinks the yearlong test has provided firefighters another tool that allows the same level of service without risking firefighter safety.

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