Grant Helps Newcastle Firefighters Test Smarter, Safer

NEWCASTLE, OK — Thanks to a $3,640 grant from the OEC Foundation’s Operation Round Up program, the Newcastle Fire Department is now equipped to test its hoses faster, safer, and smarter—with less risk to firefighters and less strain on essential equipment.

Until now, crews tested each 50-foot section of hose by hooking it to a fire engine and pumping it up to 250 psi for five minutes. With about 5,000 feet of hose to check every year, the process was slow and risky—requiring firefighters to stand next to highly pressurized lines that could burst without warning. It also put heavy wear on the engine’s pump, which could knock a truck out of service if it failed.

“This is one of those behind-the-scenes tools that makes a big difference,” said Fire Chief Todd Yates. “Now we can test multiple hoses at once from a safe distance, without putting stress on our engines—or our crew. It’s a huge upgrade.”

The new hose tester handles the pressure independently and allows crews to step back while the work is done. It trims hours off the annual testing process and keeps the department’s engines ready to roll.

Operation Round Up is powered by OEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to fund community grants. Since 1993, the program has given more than $5 million to causes across central Oklahoma—including safety upgrades like this one, where every foot of hose counts.

To learn more, visit okcoop.org/oru