The Somersworth City Council is facing decisions around the soaring cost to build the new fire station, reports Foster’s Daily Democrat.

The planned station is to replace the 8,100-square-foot fire station, built in 1976. The city originally authorized a $7.7 million bond to finance the fire station, but now city officials say the cost has since gone up to $9 million.

The Fire Station Building Committee looked to make almost $500,000 in cuts to reduce the cost of the design by removing the training tower and using more cost-effective materials, lowering the cost of the project to $6,490,977.

The city hopes to address the $1.3 million difference with a combination of federal grants and city funds rather than adding the full amount to the amount of money it had planned to bond.

According to a report from TimesNews, the town of Montverde, Florida, has donated a 2000 Pierce Contender 1,250-gallons-per-minute engine to the Hawkins County (TN) Volunteer Fireman’s Association (HCVFA), which then placed it with the Goshen Valley Volunteer Fire Department (GVVFD) in Church Hill, Tennessee.

The HCVFA, an all-volunteer organization, serves Hawkins County’s eight volunteer fire departments.

HCVFA Secretary/Treasurer Don Hiett, a former fire chief in Atlanta (GA) now retired in Hawkins County, initiated contact with Montverde and facilitated the donation.

The GVVFD paid for the cost of delivery and used the donation to replace a 45-year-old fire truck in its fleet.

The donated truck arrived with some tools, appliances, supply hose, and air packs (minus the air bottles). The truck is now being serviced and tested.

A “push-in” ceremony is scheduled for September at GVVFD’s Station No. 1, located on 1087 Goshen Valley Road, near Church Hill.

The GVVFD has been serving the community since 1992. It runs two engines and two tankers from two fire stations.

Citizens interested in promoting fire safety and public service are invited to join the HCVFA, which meets the second Wednesday every other month.

According to a report from KSNB, Hastings (NE) Fire and Rescue (HFR) had added a new fire truck, “Quint-1,” to its fleet, and will replace two of its older fire trucks.

HFR Firefighter-EMT and apparatus operator Jarred Hackler said he will be one of the six drivers of the truck.

Quint-1 will replace two apparatus that are 30 and 35 years old, respectively. Although fire trucks are built to last many years, Hackler said that a different suspension, more capabilities, and improved handling and control were major factors in why the HFD called for a new truck. He also said that the advanced technology has advanced so much within that time frame that the new unit is simply a better fit for the department.

The HFR welcomed its most previous truck, Quint-2, in 2009.

HFR’s budget for Quint-1 was $985,000. Hackler said this amount was necessary for the safety of members and to keep up with technology.

HFR Chief Brad Starling said that Quint 1 arrived earlier this week, but the department must still do acceptance testing with the manufacturer, place all its equipment on the vehicle, and train personnel on it. He also said he does not expect Quint 1 to be ready to roll out for service for another three to four weeks.

Mt. Vernon, MO – Reyco Granning announces availability of new kits to increase ride height on the popular TransportMaster^® product family.  The kits include everything required to raise the ride height 1 inch, 2 inches, or 3 inches.  The kits were designed specifically for 4X4’s or all-terrain applications requiring additional ground clearance.  They are ideal for wildland fire apparatus like mini pumper, rescue, and crew transporter.

The TransportMaster^® is a turn-key bolt-on upgrade to replace stiff factory leaf springs on Class 3-5 Ford chassis.  The TransportMaster^® was designed to improve ride comfort and safety.  The system also manages ride height regardless of loading and can kneel.

Affordable kits can be purchased to upgrade an existing vehicle equipped with TransportMaster or as part of a new TransportMaster installation.  They are presently available for Ford F-450, F-550, & F-600.  Other variations will be released soon so if you have another need, please call us and we will accommodate.

Kit Numbers:

• K715987  1 – inch lift for F450, F550 2011-2016
• K715988  2 – inch lift for F450, F550 2011-2016
• K715989  3 –  inch lift for F450, F550 2011-2016

• K715977: 1 – inch lift (F-450 2011-2021, F-550 2011-2021, & F600 2020-2021)
• K715978: 2 – inch lift (F-450 2011-2021, F-550 2011-2021, & F600 2020-2021)
• K715979: 3 – inch lift (F-450 2011-2021, F-550 2011-2021, & F600 2020-2021)

Key features and benefits include:

• Pre-plumbed air supply module is factory certified leak free.

• Integrated air dryer eliminates air-line freezing.

• Control system eliminates unnecessary compressor cycling to dramatically improve life.

• Automated calibration and diagnostics to reduce installation complexity.

• Enhances the ride, safety, and value of the vehicle.

For more information on the TransportMaster® or Reyco Granning please visit our website at www.reycogranning.com.

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About Reyco Granning

Reyco Granning, headquartered in Mt. Vernon, MO, designs and manufactures air ride, steel spring, and auxiliary suspension systems used by truck, trailer and specialty vehicle OEMs, including Fire & Rescue, RV and Bus markets. Reyco Granning is a suspension manufacturer with more than 90 years of proven product quality, durability, and reliability. Visit us at www.reycogranning.com