The Northumberland (PA) Hook and Ladder Fire Company recently agreed to purchase a 2023 Spartan/Rescue 1 20-foot walk-around. Officials estimate it will be delivered within 18 months—mid-2023.

The current 1997 rescue—the most-used department apparatus—is in need of replacement. Costly repairs have rendered the unit replaceable, a report on dailyitem.com says.

Council recently voted to borrow $700,000 over a 10-year period at a fixed interest rate of 3.33%, according to the report. Officials say the apparatus will cost just under $800,000.

Fire officials plan to develop specs with the manufacturer before they travel to the factory for final approval.

The King County Sheriff's Office asked for the public's help Tuesday in finding an arsonist who targeted three different Fred Meyer stores earlier this month. Authorities said the arsonist set multiple fires inside three Fred Meyer stores in Maple Valley, Kent and Renton. Investigators said the suspect is a man with a "medium to light" complexion, with brown hair with a widow's peak, a tattoo on his left hand and a possible bruise or injury above his left eyebrow.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2022 4:12:45 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

The newest addition to the Powassan (Ontario, Canada) Fire Department’s fleet is Ladder 1, a 105-foot aerial donated by two people, Frank Giannopoulos and Tom McEvoy.

The apparatus, which is housed at Station 1, is 20 years old and arrived at the department just before Christmas.

“Christmas came a bit early this year for the Municipality of Powassan Fire Department!” Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac says on Facebook. “Thanks to the generosity of two benefactors, Mr. Frank Giannopoulos and Mr. Tom McEvoy, the MPFD received a donation of a 105-foot aerial fire apparatus! This unit will be based out of Station 1 in Powassan and will greatly increase the MPFD’s ability to effect rescues and fight large scale fires in our municipality.”

The two men purchased the apparatus at an auction with the intent to use it for commercial purposes. The business venture didn’t pan out, and they decided to donate it to the department, according to a report in nugget.ca. It arrived at the department ready to be put into service, though crews are still training on it.

A new apparatus of this aerial’s ilk would normally cost well more than $1 million, but the department took delivery of it for under $200—just the cost of an emissions test and a license plate, the report says.

It’s the department’s first aerial.

Local fire districts are requesting residents assist firefighters and shovel aside snow to make a pathway to fire hydrants. The Post Office is also asking folks to clear a path along the sidewalk and pathways to mailboxes so postal workers have access for delivery. “If you have a fire hydrant near your home and you’re shoveling snow, make sure the hydrant is clear so if we do have to respond to your neighborhood, the firefighters will be able to access the hydrant,” said Kay McKellar, Chelan County Fire District 1 public information officer.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2022 1:23:26 PM - SOURCE: KPQ-AM 560 Wenatchee

The City of Shakopee (MN) unveiled its newly wrapped fire truck Zamboni at the Shakopee girls hockey game Thursday. 

“Our fire truck Zamboni celebrates the rich and meaningful contributions of the brave firefighters who serve our community at the Shakopee Fire Department,” Mayor Bill Mars said.

The side of the wrapped Zamboni reads, “Become a firefighter.” The city hopes to raise awareness of the Fire Department’s recruitment program and pique the interest of community members who might consider joining the department. The department will begin recruiting part-time firefighters in February.

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Speaking at the ice arena Thursday while the Zamboni was revealed, Mars g