Bill Friedrich came across this update at newslocker.com. Positive developments continue to roll in for Portage la Prairie Emergency Services. Following a $1 million grant for a new building addition, the successful sale of an old fire truck for a good cause, and over a year of searching, the local fire department has finally secured a new aerial ladder. “It’s really exciting—it’s been a long time coming,†said Fire Chief Phil Carpenter. “We haven’t had an aerial ladder for 18 months, and there have been moments when we could’ve really used it. We had backup plans in place, like borrowing from Brandon or Winkler in case of a major emergency. But buying a used unit turned out to be more challenging than expected.†The city council allocated $400,000 for the purchase of a 2000 Pierce Dash 100-foot Aerial Platform truck, which originally cost $410,000. The unit was acquired from Carriere Fire and Safety Co. 1988 Ltd. Carpenter expects the new truck to arrive in Portage by April or May. “The Illinois fire department we’re getting it from hasn’t received their new aerial yet—they won’t get it until March, and they’ll need some training first,†he explained. Before finalizing the deal, Carpenter and Ben Vanderzwaag from Carriere Fire visited Bedford Park, Illinois, to inspect and test the unit to ensure it was fully functional. According to Carpenter, Carriere Fire will “Canadianize†the ladder by adding a heater to the pump compartment, replacing the tires, repainting the truck, and rebuilding the motor before it arrives in Portage. Carpenter also mentioned that firefighters will need training on the new equipment, and that this training is included in the purchase price. Proceeds from the sale of the 1976 aerial truck and the 1984 pumper truck will go toward the fire truck reserve fund. Carpenter hopes to get $30,000 for the pumper, but is unsure about the value of the aerial ladder, which failed certification. He believes it might be sold for scrap, potentially bringing in around $2,000. However, he’s hoping to get more by selling it or taking it to a metal yard. Bedford Park Truck 709 has been sold and will be transferred after the new tower ladder is delivered. Bill Friedrich photo Gas Cutting Consumables,Cutting Tip Heating Nozzle,Cutting Nozzle,Gas Cutting Nozzle Changzhou Cewoo Equipment Co.,Ltd , https://www.cewoocut.com
Fire Department to Receive New Aerial Ladder