The volunteer crew in St. Regis paid for the new truck using funds earned in the summer fighting wildland fires through a contract with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). By using the departments own equipment, they were able to get the full worth of pay for them through DNRC. The tender cost approximately $120,000.  

“Without the help and support of our firefighters, our community would be left with higher taxes and subpar equipment,” Kittridge said. “We here at the department are proud to have committed volunteers who are willing to help fund new equipment that keeps our community at an advantage when it’s needed the most. Our community members already have high enough taxes with so many other needs in our county. Being able to support our area without raising taxes will undoubtedly give our locals some sense of comfort.”

The fire chief, Robert Czerwinski, says the department wanted to find a fitting way to honor Polidoro. This engine was one of the last major projects he spearheaded.  

“The officers came to us and said let’s name this truck in Mike’s honor for the work that he did towards the design, the implementation, evaluation, final approval, construction - he was into this truck 100% from inception to final delivery and training,” Chief Czerwinski said. “Michael Polidoro has been an inspiration to this fire department for the 28 years that he spent here.”