The heavy rescue truck has improved safety features, more room for rescue equipment and seats six people.

Unit controller Steve McDowell said the 2001 Ford F450 truck was replaced with a new Hino vehicle which has anti-lock braking system brakes, airbags and upgraded lights.

“It means we’ve got the capacity to carry more equipment on the truck where we couldn’t before,” Mr McDowell said.

It is equipped with Halmatro hydraulic road rescue equipment including spreaders (commonly known as the jaws of life), cutters to cut doors and pillars, a combi tool that can open doors and cut, mini cutters for smaller areas, and two hydraulic rams for pushing damaged panels. 

Mr McDowell invited the public to view the new vehicle and chat to members on Saturday at Victoria Park, where the new truck will be displayed at the game between Koroit and Port Fairy.