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New water tanker for Pilot Mound
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Doubles water hauling capabilities
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April 08, 2009 |
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Firefighters Tanner Lundberg and Eric Davis show off Pilot Mound’s new tanker. -Photo provided
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The Pilot Mound Fire Department took possession of its "new" fire truck March 4, 2009, a used 2200 gallon tanker which replaces a 1976 Ford pumper. The truck was purchased from the Otter Lake (Michigan) Fire Department for $33,000. Total cost for the project is approximately $35,000, which includes transportation, lettering, radio installation and some minor maintenance.
"This is a great truck for the money." said Pilot Mound Fire Chief Sean Whalen. "Our old Ford is leaking water, and has engine and braking problems. Reliability was a serious issue. This tanker has a 1994 Detroit diesel and drive train with low hours, and new brakes all around. The water tank is stainless steel, and was installed new in 2004. Plus it more than doubles our water hauling capabilities. This tanker will provide years of reliable service."
The fire truck was funded with a combination of sources. A USDA Rural Development Grant provided 35% of the purchase price, $10,000 was received from The Leonard Good Trust, and the rest was provided from the fire department's capital fund.
"We couldn't upgrade our equipment like this if it wasn't for sources like USDA and the Good Trust." said Whalen, "Even a used truck is expensive, and represents several years of savings if we had to fund the entire purchase from our capital fund. Receiving these grants allows a small department like ours to procure good equipment without breaking the bank. Our thanks goes out to Rural Development and the Good Trust."
This is the second truck funded through USDA and the Good Trust. In 2003, Pilot Mound acquired a new American LaFrance pumper for just over $156,000. USDA Rural Development contributed $100,000, and the Good Trust contributed $16,000.
"Were pretty well equipped right now, given the trucks and fire gear we've bought over the last few years." Whalen continued." The goal was to be set up for the next 15 - 20 years, and we've done that. Now we'll start saving our money again for future upgrades."
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©The Ogden Reporter 2010
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