The Cole County Commission awarded a $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant to the Cole County Fire Protection District, newstribune.com reported.

The fire department used the grant to purchase 80 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) and spare parts for the SCBAs, the report said.

An SCBA is a device consisting of a harness, air tank and mask that provides air to firefighters in dangerous situations.

Specifically, the funds go toward the purchase of 80 snap change harnesses, 80 45-minute air cylinders and 80 face masks, the report said. The Cole County Fire Protection District also bought 80 additional air cylinders and 21 additional face masks using the ARPA funds.

The previous SCBAs were 28 years old, weighed more than 40 pounds, had 20 minutes of air capacity and parts were not available to replace old ones, according to the report. The new SCBAs weigh about 20 pounds and have up to 45 minutes of air.

The Cole County Fire Protection District, which serves 220 square miles, is the first fire department in Cole County to receive apparatus through the ARPA grant, the report said.

The city of Trumann is moving forward with plans to build a new fire station, kait8.com reported.

A tornado destroyed the fire station located on Main Street in Dec. 2021. Since then, the fire station has been left empty.

On Monday, March 27, the city approved a bond ordinance that will provide the city with $1.6 million for the new station, the report said.

This is on top of the $1 million the city already received through an insurance payout, according to a city official, bringing the total to $2.6 million.

The city official said the city was able to pass the bond ordinance without voters because the city won’t be taxing the citizens to pay the bonds back.

Instead, the money that will pay those bonds back will come from a franchise tax that is already collected by the city, the report said.

An additional franchise tax ordinance was passed on Tuesday, Feb. 14, according to the report.

The Hillsboro Area Volunteer Fire Department recently took ownership of a heavy rescue truck, MoultonAdvertiser.com reported.

The new apparatus is a 1991 E-One heavy rescue vehicle. It received an overhaul in 2011. Hillsboro purchased the unit from a fire department in Tunnelton, (WV) for $30,000, the report said.

The new truck, dubbed Rescue 6, will serve as the department’s primary service vehicle. It joins a 1992 Ford mini-pumper acquired from the Moulton Fire Department in January. Together, the new units revamp the volunteer operation and provide greater flexibility to serve the community, according to the report.

The new, much larger service unit allows Hillsboro to reorganize their rescue and service tools for easy access. Both sides are lined with storage compartments. The rear contains a foam fire suppression system and heavy extinguishers on the left; on the right, there’s an air tank refilling system, the report said. 

Housed under the apparatus is an on-site generator. On top, a remote light tower lays flat against the roof. When needed, it extends vertically to bathe the surrounding area in light, according to the report. 

The vehicle’s massive cab can carry a full crew of firemen. 

Rosenbauer America is pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Brummel as President. Randy’s extensive history in the fire industry and previous leadership roles at Rosenbauer over the last three years has prepared him to lead Rosenbauer America into the future. The company’s purpose remains unchanged, Rosenbauer exists to support the mission of saving lives and protecting property. Randy’s focus continues to be building the industry’s best custom fire trucks, operational excellence, dealer development, financial discipline, customer satisfaction, and serving first responders.

“I would like to thank Mark Fusco for his tenure at Rosenbauer America and wish him continued success in his future endeavors,” said Randy Brummel. “I am truly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the best fire apparatus manufacture in the industry. I feel we have set a great course and that path is to be fire department’s preferred apparatus manufacturer. Our commitment continues in best in quality, on time delivery, with focus on exceeding customer expectations” he later shared.

Brummel joined Rosenbauer as the Vice President of Supply Chain, bringing his extensive expertise in operations and the fire industry. He accepted the position of Executive Vice President of Operations in 2022 and has been a driving force for quality, productivity and unification of the Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska campuses.

“I have learned a great deal from all the team members at Rosenbauer America over these past three years and appreciate your continued support as we enter Rosenbauer’s next chapter together.”

For more information, contact your local Rosenbauer dealer or visit www.RosenbauerAmerica.com, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Rosenbauer America

Rosenbauer is the world’s leading manufacturer of custom fire apparatus and solutions. Rosenbauer offers the industry’s widest line of advanced custom and commercial pumpers, heavy rescues, tenders, mini pumpers and light rescues, aerial ladders and platforms featuring SMART Aerial™ Technology, and the RTX fully electric fire truck.