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At more than 60 feet long, it takes a few seconds to roll out the newest tool in the West Des Moines Fire Department's arsenal.

The new fire truck, which is a Pierce tractor-drawn aerial fire truck, can carry water and more than twice the equipment of a pumper truck, and it is equipped with a ladder to reach tall buildings can use its ladder to reach tall buildings.

The new fire truck can also maneuver like a much smaller fire engine — all thanks to rear-wheel steering.

The West Des Moines Fire Marshal Mike Whitsell and the specially-trained crew gave KCCI an early look at the truck.

"It gives us another advantage in the toolbox. We are always trying to evolve as a fire service," Whitsell said.

There is a steering cab at the rear end of the truck, which is enclosed just like the front cab The second driver steers the wheels, which gives a different perspective when driving.

Mitchell Jones had to train for more than 40 hours to learn this backward driving technique. He steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the turn.

"It's a cool experience for sure," Jones said. "It's pretty much like being in a parade 24-7 with this thing. People are stopping, heads swivel, saying, 'look at this, he's up there!'"

The rear-end steering cab gives the firetruck the capability to fit just about anywhere.

"We might normally have to do two- or three-point turns With this, we are just going to be able to glide right through it," firefighter Rob Mackey said.

Not only is the fire truck a cool addition to the fire department's arsenal, it's also a money saver.

"This tractor-drawn aerial is literally two fire trucks built into one," Whitsell said. "We are always trying to plan for the what ifs. But this does give us an advantage. We are excited for that. Very happy to give that to our citizens."

The new ladder truck is stationed at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road near Valley High school. This is the first one, but as West Des Moines expands, it likely will not be the last one.

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