The jobs of fire and EMS sometime require that we make tough decisions. In time, experience gives us the confidence to make decisions very quickly and with positive results. But once in a while the best decision is not one that you want to make.

I faced that crossroads this winter. The fire department has formed a truck and equipment committee. Their charge was to look at the equipment we currently have and plan for future purchases.

Two facts became obvious. One is that we need to replace our rescue truck. The age, condition, and cost of maintenance made this decision clear. The truck carries our life safety and rescue gear like the Jaws of Life, our extra breathing air, and the ice rescue equipment. The Commissioners will bring this $250,000 article to the voters in March.

The cost of the truck will be covered mostly by capital reserve. We will borrow $50,000 and pay that off over two years from the capital reserve line. This truck will be purchased within our operating budget and will not require raising the fire department expense for the taxpayers. Purchasing the truck was an easy decision.

The second fact discovered by the committee was that we had too many fire trucks. It became very clear that it was time to retire our Engine 4. “No,” the chief cried, “not Engine 4! Not my baby.” Alas, it was true, and they were right.

We have enjoyed 25 good years with my buddy. The truck has carried our equipment and pumped thousands of gallons of water. She was dependable, and we trusted her to perform well at every fire.

Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. She holds a front line position in our station but is no longer able to be fully trusted. Use and age have taken their toll.

It is the right decision to retire her, but that decision comes hard. Very hard. We will bring that issue to the voters in March.

Street Numbers

I believe that most people think that they will never have a fire in their home or need an ambulance. I also believe that most people are willing to pay taxes to purchase emergency equipment because their practical mind thinks they might. As a fire fighter, I hope no one ever needs the equipment we have or the use of our skills. But you might.

So if you have committed your hard-earned dollars to your safety, perhaps you would be willing to spend just a few dollars more. Purchase street numbers for your home. Place the numbers near your front door if you live near the road, or on a post at the end of your drive. If you are having trouble finding a good spot, call us and we will help.

We waste a lot of time trying to find an address, and sometimes we drive right by. It takes time to turn around our large trucks.

Help us help you. When seconds count, wasted minutes are an eternity.