The grants total $600,000 and will help 73 Minnesota fire departments purchase gear washers and dryers. Studies show that firefighters are exposed to carcinogens during fires and are further exposed via soiled turnout gear. Health problems associated with exposure to these byproducts include lung damage, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. These grants will give around 2300 Minnesota firefighters access to equipment to remove carcinogens.

Since the old non-digital radios work on a different frequency, but can still be used by smaller volunteer fire departments, the old equipment is being donated to the Helping Hands Program.  

One of those departments is the Palisades Volunteer Fire Department, where Fire Chief Dennis Massey is thankful for the Helping Hands Program.

“This truck will be equipped with over 200 feet of ground ladders and has a 100-foot aerial platform ladder capable of flowing 2,000 gallons per minute or lifting a load of up to 1,000 pounds,” said Deputy Chief Michael Sumner. “This truck is designed to carry a wide variety of forcible entry, ventilation and rescue equipment.”  

The department added Engine 4 to the community’s resources in March with the delivery of the $570,124 truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisconsin. The same factory is building the $1.29 million ladder truck, with both trucks designed by members throughout the Wilson department.

Chief Albert Alston said the department currently has two ladder trucks and the new truck will meet Wilson’s needs for the next 15 to 20 years.

Wahoo Fire Chief Cody Hull recently inspected the truck at a dealership in Minnesota and arranged the purchase.

The cost of the used truck was $345,000. Hull said the department got a good deal on a good truck.