Vander Wel says they had a good winter and contractors were able to get a lot done, but there are a bunch of little things that need to be completed such as tile work, trim around the doors, some painting in the administrative area, and other projects.

He says at this point they are planning on a late September or early October ribbon cutting and open house, but they’re hoping that the new communication room will be done in time for Orange City to host RAGBRAI on the night of Saturday, July 22nd. Vander Wel says if it is, they may be able to use it to do some dispatching for the public safety workers and volunteers.

The driver of the Mercedes declined medical attention.

As a result of the crash, the fire engine sustained an estimated $30,000 in damage and will be out of service for about a month.

Police said the driver, who they have not identified, was driving with a suspended license. He is expected to be summonsed to Woburn District Court for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

The driver was also cited for obstructing an emergency vehicle and a marked lanes violation.

"The wet down, just, you're taking water from one truck, putting in another and kind of passing on the torch so to speak and then you wet it down to kind of wash off the dust and things like that," explained Joplin Fire Chief Jim Furgerson.

Next came the push-in, where civic and community members physically push the engine into the fire house.

 But because the truck tips the scales at 77,000  pounds, it required artificial horse power.

"Basically, the push-in apparatus, horses can't back very effectively so they'd have to unhook the horses and then push the carts back in--whether it's brand new or returns from a call. So that's where the tradition of the push in comes from," Furgerson added.

The ceremony ended with a traditional blessing.

Fully extended, this bucket will go 100 feet up in the air at an 80-degree incline.

The new vehicle will be designated as “Rescue 23,” and replaces a 2001 E-One Super Lynx Midi-Pumper, scheduled to be sold as surplus property.

The rescue responds to all medical emergencies, vehicle accidents and similar rescue-related incidents. It also responds with a fire engine to vehicle fires, brush fires and haz-mat incidents, providing greater mobility and additional resources. There are two hydraulic hose reels for extrication equipment, allowing both the cutters and spreaders, to be pre-connected to the power unit, ready for immediate use at a vehicle accident. The compartments all have roll-up doors, providing increased convenience and safety when accessing equipment. Seating is provided for up to five personnel in the four-door cab.

The connection to the first fire truck is that a Howe Pumper, made in Elmira, N.Y., was purchased by the village the same year. Basically, a wagon carrying a wooden barrel and a pump for putting water on a fire, the apparatus was pulled by a team of horses. Assistant Fire Chief Rick Clancy said the aged firefighting vehicle was removed several years ago from the Neponset Fire Department’s branch station in Osceola. It was restored, researched, run in a few parades, and is now on permanent display in the Neponset Historical Society Museum.

According to a sign lettered in red which hangs on the side of the pumper, the original wooden wheels were replaced in 1928 with rubber truck tires. The sign states that the important piece of Neponset history was salvaged and painted by Gordon E. Burnett, owner before it was returned to the fire department.