The Cut Bank Volunteer Fire Department keeps their promises. Not only are they keeping their promise to do the very best they can when performing their volunteer firefighting duties, but they are also keeping the promise they made to the community on how they planned on using the amazing donations they received at the past Firemen's Flings fundraisers.
"We promised to use the money we raised at our Firemen Flings to purchase a new fire truck and new turnout gear," said Chief Mark Kropp. "And that is exactly what we have done."
A few years ago, the department knew some of their fire trucks were not going to meet their needs much longer. Adding a new one to the fleet was becoming more and more of a must. So a fire truck committee among the firefighters was formed. Chief Kropp was part of it, as was Scott Racki, Cody Fetters, Doug Vermulm, Michael Moran, Jess Fey and Pat Fey.
The new truck was ordered and on Sept. 9 it arrived. The local firemen are now in possession of a 2016 fire engine red Ford F550, 4-door, diesel, "which we designed 100 percent from bumper to bumper," he stated.
It is more than just a regular Ford pickup. This one came outfitted as a fire truck, complete with more features than a regular truck off the lot, which explains why its sticker price was just over $160,000.
"The firemen put up $56,000 and the Glacier County Commissioners kicked in the remainder. So we did as we promised and put the money we raised from our flings to really good use to get a well-outfitted fire truck we needed so badly," Chief Kropp said. "It really is a fantastic truck and we cannot thank the community enough for all of their support in helping us get this truck."
The old truck that was replaced by this new addition did not just end up in a junkyard somewhere. It still had some life left in it and according to Chief Kropp it went to Del Bonita, which was in need of a fire truck. "They were happy to have it," he added.