Butler Township Volunteer Fire District had a new ladder truck custom-made to fit the needs of the station. From left are firefighter Dalton Keibler, assistant chief Dexter Keibler, chief Kevin Smith and assistant chief Joe LaDue.

It took about two years, but earlier this month a ladder truck weighing more than 20 tons with a 600-horsepower engine rolled into the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District station.

The department has had its current ladder truck for about 20 years and, according to its chief, Kevin Smith, new developments in fire fighting technology meant it was time for an upgrade.

“It has more safety features, supplemental air bags,” Smith said Friday. “It can carry up to six people in the back.”

Assistant chief Joe LaDue said the department had fundraised to pay for the truck, which cost about $1.1 million, from Smeal Fire Apparatus based in Snyder, Neb.

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Assistant Chief Joe LaDue, stares down the barrel of the water canon mounted on the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District’s new ladder truck which is housed at Station 3 on 121 Sparks Avenue.Harold Aughton/Butler Eagle