By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
The Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service is set to receive a new fire truck this month. The new truck replaces the department’s current 8125 vehicle, the initial fire attack apparatus for NAFRS. Fire Chief Tom Nelson said that this truck is a twin with the department 8115 vehicle and that the point is symmetry:
“It’s going to be literally identical, and the point of that is exactly that is that it doesn’t matter which of these you jump in it.” – Northfield Area Fire Chief Tom Nelson on the KYMN Morning Show
Nelson noted that previously, the department maintained a primary rural truck and a city truck. However, with changing demands in the rural areas, Nelson says that the unique trucks are not necessary and, from an operational standpoint, could be better for the department’s equipment:
“But as far as operational, it’s great because before it would be, that the rural engine was always the first truck to leave the House. So it gets pounded more. This way, we’re going to be able to say operationally. It doesn’t matter, so we can decide which trucks to try or switch them around or whatever we want to do to really spread the depreciation.” – Northfield Area Fire Chief Tom Nelson on the KYMN Morning Show
The current truck being replaced is less than 10 years old, but being used so frequently as the primary engine means that it ages quicker than the rest of the department’s vehicles. Nelson also noted that having two identical engines makes it easier to train for the future.
In December, the department also received a new Polaris Ranger for the rural firefighting operations. Nelson noted that the department spent a significant amount of time searching for the right equipment. Previously, any equipment used in the ranger was built by members of the fire department, Nelson said while it served its purpose now custom equipment purchased from Polaris based on the season can be used:
“Now they have just pre-packaged units, so we have a winter one in right now that has a space for a stretcher or, you know, like a Stokes basket and The attendant can sit there to do patient care. And then in t he summer, It’s a tank with a hose and a real and all that stuff” – Northfield Area Fire Chief Tom Nelson on the KYMN Morning Show
Nelson noted that the new ranger cost $50,000, but donations covered the entire cost. Half of the donations came from the Waterford Warriors Snowmobile Club. The rest of the cost was covered by fundraising the department conducted.
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