It’s good news for the St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department as they passed a major hurdle in getting a new fire station, KSNBLocal4.com reported.

St. Paul voters approved a 1/2 cent sales tax increase with nearly 800 votes cast on this ballot issue, the report said.

A fire official said the current building was built in the 1960s and at the time fit the needs of the department, but that has since changed. Right now, it only has a three-bay garage holding 10 vehicles. This poses challenges to access proper equipment when they are called out, the report said.

Fire trucks and equipment are larger today and they just don’t have the space for them in the current facility, the fire official said.

The proposed project costs $1.95 million, according to the report.

Cortland City Fire Department has put a new fire engine into service after adding graphics to the thirty-three foot long blue and white vehicle, WFMJ.com reported.

The department’s Facebook page shows pictures of a custom Sutphen pumper which has all the bells and whistles including a tank that holds 1,000 gallons of water and features a 2,000 gallon per minute pump.

Powered by a 450 horsepower Cummins engine, the pumper is equipped with a four-person cab, ladders, two cameras, and 400 cubic feet of compartment space.

The truck replaces the former Engine 12 which had been in service since 1993, the report said.

As the leading manufacturer of professional grade rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for safety professionals, law enforcement, and military agencies around the world, RIBCRAFT provides the ultimate patrol boat.

MARBLEHEAD, MA, November 2022 – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently took delivery of three more RIBCRAFT 5.85’s. With these additional boats, all of the Department’s long range fisheries patrol crafts now operate with a new RIBCRAFT 5.85 onboard. The RIBs are deployed for boarding and enforcement up to 200 miles offshore. The delivery of these 19’ RIBs completes the fleet with four others already in service.

The new purpose built shipboard RIBCRAFT RIBs renewed the CAFW’s aging and varied fleet. RIBCRAFT worked with the department to configure the boat to meet strict weight constraints and access challenges while still providing RIBCRAFT’s proven performance. The patrol craft uses an A-frame style davit for stern launching the RIBs which posed a unique set of challenges with weight sensitivities and launch/recovery constraints. RIBCRAFT built a boat suited to their diverse and specific operational requirements. The 19’ RIBs feature a center console with front bench seat, radar arch, and complete navigation and communications equipment.  Additionally to aid in the launch/recovery, the boat features a snub nose flat bow, reinforcing at the bow, rubstrake reinforcing and boarding wear patches. Powered by a 115HP Yamaha, this 5.85 will reach speeds in excess of 40mph while still providing unparalleled safety and unsurpassed performance.

Features of the RIBCRAFT 5.85 include:

• Deep V fiberglass hull
• Forward positioned center console with front bench seat 
• Radar arch at console
• Stainless steel beaching shoe 
• Heavy duty 1670 dtx Hypalon tube featuring a snub nose flat bow, two rows of rubstrake reinforcing, additional bow reinforcing, and eight boarding wear patches
• Electronics package complete with 12V outlet, handheld spot light,
• LED light bar, LED flood lights for 360 degree illumination, Whelen hailer/siren, Garmin GPS and radar, ICOM VHF with AIS, State agency radio, and EPIRB
• Heavy duty Boat Master trailer 

Originally designed as a surf rescue craft, the RIBCRAFT 5.85 is small enough to maneuver in shallow waters and can be easily launched and operated, yet large enough to carry ample crew and gear and handle open seas. This 19’ model is a favorite among departments for its versatility, durability, safety, and performance.

RIBCRAFT is proud to be working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and look forward to supplying professional grade RIBs to the State for years to come.

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About RIBCRAFT 

RIBCRAFT designs and builds safe, durable, performance oriented rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) that fulfill the most demanding military, professional and recreational applications.  A leading manufacturer of professional grade RIBs and inflatables for safety professionals, military agencies, yacht clubs, and recreational boaters throughout the world, RIBCRAFT offers vessels starting at 15’, capable of fulfilling most any mission.  www.ribcraftusa.com 

Firefighters battled heavy flames Wednesday afternoon in a commercial building on Broadway Street in Lowell. While flying overhead, Sky5 could see flames and smoke spreading through the building and bursting through the roof. The roof collapsed in several areas. "There was initially a mayday with a firefighter, but everybody's been accounted for and they're all right," Chief William Charron with the Lowell Fire Department said.
- PUB DATE: 11/10/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WCVB-TV ABC 5 Boston

VIDEOS: An El Paso Firefighter who’s not only fighting flames, is also fighting the stereotypes. Jacqueline Manriquez is the focus of this week's Breaking the Bias segment. "At the end of the day, when you bunker up, I don't think you can categorize yourself as a female or a male,” Manriquez said. “You're just categorized as a firefighter.
- PUB DATE: 11/10/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KDBC-TV CBS 4 El Paso