The Boyd-Edson-Delmar Fire Department has welcomed two rigs to their fleet of vehicles. According to Fire Chief Ron Patten, the department was able to purchase a used Heavy Rescue truck and a used Tanker for a fraction of what new vehicles would have cost. New, the 2004 Sterling Heavy Rescue truck has a price tag of approximately $800,000 and the 2002 Sterling Tanker’s new price tag tops $400,000. The B.E.D. Fire Department was able to purchase both trucks for approximately $134,000. Boyd, Edson and Delmar townships all contributed one third to the cost. Often the fire department applies for grants for purchases but because this was an on-line auction, there wasn’t time to apply and be awarded a grant.
The vehicles were found by one of the firemen on a government surplus auction site. Truck committee members often search sites looking for equipment. These trucks were located in Long Lake, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis, so the truck committee took a drive to our neighbors to the West and checked out the trucks. When the on-line auction came up, they were able to put in the winning bids of $76,000 for the Rescue truck and $58,000 for the Tanker. The final price was much less than they expected they’d have to pay. Each truck has just over 7000 miles on them, and Fire Chief Patten says they should be in service in our area for 15 or more years. The Rescue truck replaces a 1986 Rescue truck, and the Tanker replaces a 2009 Tanker. Although the new Tanker is a few years older, it’s in much better condition, as the 2009 Tanker was requiring some major repairs. Both the 1986 and 2009 trucks are currently advertised for sale.
An added plus was the equipment that came with the Rescue Truck, including a Jaws of Life, Air Packs for breathing when fighting fires, Air Bags, Water and Ice rescue equipment and tools used in farm and car accidents. According to Chief Patten, all the extra equipment could have had a price tag exceeding $250,000.
The trucks have now been re-lettered by Ron Duncan to reflect the B.E.D. Fire Department, and the mobile radios have been installed by JenComm of Eau Claire. Both units are currently in service.
For the future, Chief Patten says they have a new Pumper Truck ordered which should be here in 2027, and a new ambulance, replacing a 2007 unit, which should be here this fall. The B.E.D. has three ambulances which helps immensely when covering Hoof Beats, OneFest, Rock Fest, and Force Fields music festivals.
Our area is extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group of people as our First Responders. Anyone interested in becoming an EMR (emergency medical responder) or EMT (emergency medical technician) or a Firefighter are encouraged to contact Ron Patten or speak to any of the First Responders. The B.E.D. covers the cost of all training. Ken Gerrits, who has been a firefighter with the Fire Department for over 20 years and is also an EMT, states, “I became a firefighter because I wanted to be able to give back to the community. One of the really unique things about a volunteer department is how so many people from different walks of life come together not only to help anyone and everyone in their time of need but also come together to do things like our annual chicken dinner.” So, if you’re interested in being part of this amazing group of people, or if you’d like additional information, please reach out.