Holyrood places order for fire rescue truck

By Mark Squibb
November 17, 2023 Edition

Holyrood council this week voted unanimously to order a new rescue truck for its Volunteer Fire Department from Ford Garry Fire Trucks in Manitoba at a total cost, including taxes and delivery, of $317,517.

“Fort Garry Fire Trucks can provide the required truck with the appropriate specifications for the rescue vehicle and has the earliest availability, best warranty available for the vehicle with a 20-year non-prorated aluminum body warranty and a 10-year non-prorated paint warranty,” said councillor Bruce King. “The chassis for the vehicle is available with an expected completion date of September 2024.”

The Town has acquired $100,000 in funding from the provincial government and will go to the bank for a loan to cover the rest of the cost.

King, who chairs Holyrood’s public safety committee, said currently the volunteers respond to all emergencies in a pumper truck, but will be using the rescue vehicle to answer medical emergencies and auto accidents, thus freeing up the pumper’s availability and saving it from wear and tear.

King added the rescue vehicle will also shorten response times, potentially saving lives.

“It’s going to be a win-win-win for everybody,” he summarised.

Mayor Gary Goobie, a retired professional firefighter, applauded the motion.

“I know firsthand, after being in the service, that a rescue vehicle can respond much quicker than trying to get a pumper up a big hill, like Liam Hickey Drive or Veitch’s Hill, especially in winter conditions,” said Goobie. “I can honestly say, based on experience, that seconds count.”

In other fire department news, King noted CAO Marjorie Gibbons and Fire Chief Evan Woodford met with representatives of Brigus Junction recently to discuss a potential fire coverage agreement.

“Brigus Junction has been informed they need to provide the Holyrood Fire Department with maps of the area identifying water sources, which is a big one when you’re fighting fires, and ensure that civic addresses are installed on all the structures and the roads are all properly marked, for obvious reasons,” said King. “Fire Chief Woodford is to complete a visit in the area and confirm mapping accuracy once the Brigus Junction Committee provides the maps.”

Residents of Brigus Junction would pay a $50 fire protection fee per household for the first year, followed by annual $10 increases for at least three years.

The department also held a recent recruitment drive, which King said was one of its most successful ever.