Officials stepped outside during a recent Chatfield (MN) City Council meeting to inspect the fire department’s new $129,067 F-550 chassis brush truck, reports filmorecountyjournal.com.

The apparatus’ purchase—$43,059—was approved in November 2020, and the labor and installation of equipment—$86,008—was approved on December 14.

Its work was performed by local repair shop Wit Boyz Inc.

“It’s outfitted with a 2 1/2” suspension lift, 42 military patterned tires, bead lock wheels, front cab controlled water cannon boasting 50 yards plus of reach, 5 person capacity, 350 gallon water tank, 150 ft. rear mounted hose reel, 9800 lb. winch with front or rear mounting options, stokes basket mount, and plenty of power from the 7.1 gas powered engine. This truck will be a great resource for the community. Thanks for letting us build this truck. #firesafetyusa #biggirlstickersandstems #cetfirepumpsmfg #dbldesigns” Wit Boys wrote on Facebook.

Shelley-Firth (ID) Volunteer Fire Department officials recently made their case to the Bingham County commissioners for expansion, reports postregister.com.

They noted that due to community growth the department is at a point where it needs a full-time chief on staff. One official said that salary plus benefits for the position would likely be between $100,000 and $120,000.

One potential solution, they said, was to—with some adjustments—field additional calls in neighboring Blackfoot. County officials wanted to explore the options regarding tax funds and petitioning for additional funds over the next few years to make expansion possible. They note possible expansion includes a new ambulance and truck.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the Greenville (WI) Fire Department has been busy restoring a 1948 Ford truck—the department’s very first engine, also known as “Grandma”—reports NBC26.com.

Now, following 14 months of work at local body shop Fabel Repair & Collision Center, Grandma is back in Greenville. The apparatus hasn’t yet made a public appearance, but officials say she’ll be ready by August.

“Their technicians repaired mechanical and electrical issues to ensure she is safe to drive for years to come,” the department wrote on Facebook, “and then their body shop went to work on repairing body damage and giving her a beautiful paint job. There were many more things they worked on but the list is too long to put here.”

In total, restoration efforts cost more than $50,000, which was paid for by the department through seven years of fundraisers.

The Firebaugh (CA) Fire Department recently broke ground on a new, larger station near P and 13th street, reports abc30.com. Concrete is expected to be poured next week to commence the $5 million project.

Officials say this will be the first new station in 73 years, though renovations were made to it in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’80s. Now with more firefighters and larger apparatus, the department has outgrown it.

The new digs will have complete living quarters, a dormitory, living room, kitchen, and kitchen facilities.

The work is funded by the Community Development Block Grant, and the station is slated to be complete by March 2022.