Village council recently voted to purchase a new ladder truck for the Byesville Volunteer Fire Department, reports daily-jeff.com.

The 100-foot 1999 aerial will be purchased from Command Fire Apparatus of Landisville (PA) and will replace the department’s 45-year-old apparatus, the report says.

Related: CARES Act Helps Ohio Fire Department Acquire Two New Ambulances

The truck costs $159,000, and the village will initially pay $26,000, which includes a $10,000 donation from the Byesville Fireman’s Association, according to the report.

Byesville will take out a five-year loan with a fixed interest rate of no more than 2.99% on the remaining $133,000.

According to a report from 9News, a record-breaking season of wildfire destruction in Colorado has opened many peoples’ eyes to the fact that many of the state’s firefighters don’t have the gear they need to move forward.

This includes gear that doesn’t fit properly–their boots that are too small, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) doesn’t properly protect crews from carcinogens. 

This issue has been years in the making. Nearly 80 percent of Colorado firefighters are volunteer, many of them residing outside the Denver metro area. Many fire departments, especially smaller or volunteer, cannot afford the proper life-saving equipment. 

Colorado Fire Commission Administrator Lisa Pine expressed worry about ill-fitting masks that would not be able protect members from leaks that could introduce toxic and super-heated gases into their lungs, saying that the fire service has not done a good enough job indicating what is needed.

Some departments are seeking grants and even conducting bake sales and chili cook-offs to fundraise for needed gear, while indivisual members have even purchased their gear with their own money. The state does offers grants, but the amount of money available fluctuates each year, depending on the budget, and can fall short of what is needed. 

Despite donning improperly-fitting gear, fire crews still responded to the Marshall, East Troublesome, and Grizzly Creek Fires, an impressive feat considering most of the responders were volunteers.

One other aspect of this issue is that many fire departments are funded locally, but when a fire happens, they respond from all over the state. So, these agencies are looked at like a state asset.

Research shows the health risks firefighters take, such as developing cancer, and how wearing proper gear helps stave off potential diseases. Although volunteers are often the first to arrive to many fires, it’s the fires that broke records that finally caught more people’s attention.

Another factor in all of this is that a lot of these departments are locally funded, but when a fire happens, they respond from all over the state. So, these agencies are looked at like a state asset, and now the state is trying to fund them better. 

Recently, the Colorado state legislature approved a $5 million grant to help buy gear. That bill is awaiting the signature of Governor Jared Polis (D). Another bill currently under consideration will provide more long-term funding for the same issue. 

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The York City Department of Fire/Rescue Services has shared, via Facebook user Greg Halpin, a piece of its apparatus history. A real blast from the past—51 years in the past, to be exact.

However, the story comes with a bittersweet memory:

“On February 25, 1971 at about 8:10 p.m. the Rex ladder truck was passing through the 600 block of South Duke Street, driving normally, when a large tree fell across the cab of the apparatus, striking career firefighter Donald E. Harrison, pinning him to the back of the cab in the passenger seat. Harrison was transported to York Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:27 p.m. that evening. Firefighter Robert Rizzio, the driver of the ladder truck, was treated for a bruised left shoulder. Tillerman Gregory Holtzapple was uninjured,” the Facebook post says.

A private EMS provider was hurt Thursday after jumping out of his moving ambulance during an argument, according to a report.

The 21-year-old ambulance worker was fighting with the driver of the ambulance when he opened the front door and left the vehicle while moving on Route 208 in Wyckoff, police said.

A passing first responder saw what happened and grabbed a blanket and C-collar from the A&M Medical ambulance to help the injured EMS provider.

Police said the victim appeared to have internal injuries and possible broken bones. The report said the EMS provider wo was driving was clearly distraught and seen pacing back and forth.

Read more in the Daily Voice.

The Canyon Lake (CA) Fire Department invites you to celebrate its grand opening. The shindig will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Station 1: 28730 Vacation Dr.

“Don’t forget! The City of Canyon Lake is pleased to invite you to the Grand Opening of the Canyon Lake Fire Department. The celebration will take place on Saturday, February 26th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Fire Station 1 Fire Administration, located at 28730 Vacation Dr.

Come meet our new Fire Department personnel, take a look at our new engines and equipment, and tour the station. Food will be provided by The Urban Craft Eatery.

* Non-residents must RSVP in order to be placed on the guest list at the gates to the community. Non-residents planning to attend, please contact the City directly at 951-244-8547.