Jenna Wilson
St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
(TNS)

Oct. 21—The St. Joseph Fire Department recently received over $100,000 in grant funding to upgrade aging equipment of fire trucks and implement a mobile inspection software.

$13,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding was awarded to the general fund fire department program, and $18,871 from Tyler Technologies was used to purchase digital fire inspection and preplan software.

“The new inspection software is much more efficient and will allow us to move our paper driven inspections to digital inspections via an iPad in the field,” said Jamey McVicker, assistant fire chief with the SJFD. “Now we’ll be able to retrieve historical data instead of having to pull that from a file cabinet the way we’re doing it now.”

Following the installation of the inspection software, a pre-incident planning software will also be fully implemented into the trucks, allowing fire crews to have a general emergency operation plan in place prior to arriving at a scene.

In addition, the department received $79,000 from the Pipeline Emergency Response Grant program which includes the purchase of 14 gas monitors to be placed on fire apparatuses.

“We’re going to use it to replace all the 4-gas meters on all of our apparatus which are aging,” said Kurt Fuehrer, chief training officer with the SJFD. “These detect CO, levels of explosions and anything in the air that could be flammable, so they’re very essential. Especially this time of year when people start firing up their furnaces and think they might need a CO check; we’ll take these in and tell them if they’re home is safe or not.”

The St. Joseph Fire Department has received several grants this past year that is putting them on track to have all their equipment updated within the required time frame.

“Everything is coming along the way it should,” said Fuehrer. “The PERG grant in particular was very helpful because it was 100% funded, there was no city match involved with this and we’re one of the first departments in Missouri to get it.”

The St. Joseph Fire Department expects to have the new equipment and software implemented by January 2025.

Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.

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November 15, 2024 | 3 PM

Join us for an in-depth roundtable discussion with leading thermal imaging experts Manfred Kihn, Joe DeVito, and Andy Starnes as they explore cutting-edge advancements in thermal imaging technology for the fire service. In Thermal Imaging Unscripted: What’s Next in TICs, these top trainers will review the latest features and innovations in thermal imagers, providing valuable insights on how to seamlessly integrate this technology into your department’s training programs. Learn practical tips for ensuring your team is fully equipped to harness the power of thermal imaging for maximum effectiveness on the fireground. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your department’s readiness with expert advice from those at the forefront of thermal imaging training. This event is brought to you by Bullard.

Rosenbauer—Wolf Creek Fire Protection District, Farmington, MO, pumper. Commander 6511 cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Hale DSD 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,250-gpm pump; Duo-Safety ground ladders; hot dipped galvanized frame rails; Akron electric valves; Rosenbauer FX 3/16-inch aluminum body. Dealer: Brian Franz, Sentinel Emergency Solutions, St. Louis, MO.

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December 3, 2024 | 1 ET

We will explore the critical role of local funding sources in supporting fire departments. This session is designed to empower fire service leaders with the skills necessary to work effectively with their communities to tackle long-term funding needs.

Discover innovative strategies for building strong relationships with local stakeholders, advocating for essential resources, and fostering a shared commitment to fire safety. Learn how to turn funding challenges into opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that your department is well-equipped to serve and protect.

PRESS RELEASE

Jackson Rancheria has generously donated $989,393.57 to the Amador Fire Protection District for the replacement of Engine 5368 with a state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Viper Aerial Apparatus that will ensure enhanced fire protection for both the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort and the larger Amador County community.

Engine 5368, a 2007 Type I Fire Engine, has served Jackson Rancheria and the surrounding area effectively for close to 20 years. However, due to its age, the engine requires significant maintenance, and replacement parts have become increasingly difficult to find. To address these challenges, the Amador Fire Protection District recognized the need for a new apparatus capable of maintaining the safety standards of the community.

Jackson Rancheria’s donation will allow the purchase of a new Rosenbauer Viper Aerial Apparatus, which includes a 65-foot aerial ladder, a full complement of ground ladders and other advanced firefighting equipment. The aerial ladder truck is crucial for protecting multi-story structures, such as hotels, apartments, and commercial buildings, both on and off the reservation. This new apparatus will serve the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort and be available for emergency response throughout Amador County.

“Jackson Rancheria recognizes the importance of ensuring that our emergency response teams have the best equipment available to protect both our community and the greater Amador County,” said Crystal Jack, CEO of Jackson Rancheria. “The new fire truck will allow the fire department to continue its excellent service, whether responding to incidents on the reservation or beyond.”

The new aerial apparatus, known as a quint, will significantly enhance firefighting capabilities with a fire flow of 1,500 gallons per minute. It’s combination of hose, pump, and aerial ladder will ensure the Amador Fire Protection District is prepared for complex fire emergencies. Additionally, it will be the only full-time career staffed aerial apparatus in the county available for immediate response.

“This new addition to our fleet will greatly enhance our capacity to respond to emergencies across the district,” said Fire Chief Robert Withrow. “With this advanced apparatus, we are not just upgrading our equipment; we are investing in the safety and well-being of our community for years to come. It demonstrates our commitment to protecting lives and property, ensuring that we can effectively respond to fire and rescue incidents. We are deeply grateful to Jackson Rancheria for their continued support and generosity, which makes advancements like this possible.”

In addition to this donation, the Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians fully funds the operation of Fire Station 116, run by the Amador Fire Protection District. While the station is physically located on the Tribe’s reservation, firefighters and first responders provide support to incidents both on the Tribe’s property and within the larger community.

“We are deeply appreciative of the dedication of our amazing fire crews who ensure the safety of our community,” said Adam Dalton, Chairman of the Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians. “We are honored to continue supporting the efforts of the Amador Fire Protection District in their very important role in our community.”

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