By Brandi Makuski

A group of local donors presented $20,000 in donations to the Plover Fire Department on May 13.

The funds cover a large portion of about $36,000 worth of new battery-powered rescue tools that firefighters say will significantly improve response capabilities during emergencies.

The donation funded the purchase of a battery-powered spreader, cutter, and ram – equipment used to free victims trapped in vehicles and machinery – replacing older hydraulic models that require more time and equipment to deploy.

Fire Chief Mark Deaver said the tools will make a meaningful difference for both first responders and those they serve.

“These are the types of tools that allow us to get people out faster,” Deaver said. “Without donations like this, we can’t get the cool tools that are going to help us rescue people and do what we need to do. They’re not cheap.”

The donation came from five community organizations: Duraclean, McCain Foods, Paper City Savings Bank, the Plover Fire Auxiliary, and the Plover Pine Village & Plover Meadows Mobile Home Community.

For more on this story, please go to spmetrowire.com.

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The Austin (TX) Fire Department recently took delivery of a new Spartan 107-foot HD rearmount aerial (RMA), Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists said in a Facebook post. This RMA features a unique outrigger design that allows full operational capability on a 12-percent grade.

𝗥𝗠𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• Spartan Gladiator LFD 10″ RR Chassis with 10″ Trench
• Cummins X15 605 HP Engine
• Allison 4500 EVS Transmission
• Harrison 10kW MCR Generator
• 1/8″ Aluminum Body
• 413 Cubic Feet of Compartment Space

View the full gallery and drawing here: https://mfas.com/gallery/trucks/austin-ladder-22.

“Station 22 just received a brand new ladder truck, and the crew marked the occasion by continuing a time honored tradition of pushing the rig into the bay,” the Austin Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

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East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.)
(TNS)

A 35-year Mesa firefighter died on duty last week, it was announced.

Mark Keller, 62, who lived in Gilbert, was found dead the morning of May 6. Details of his death were not released.

“My heart is with the Keller family in this difficult time,” said Fire Chief Mary Cameli in a news release. “We are deeply saddened by the loss.”

According to the department, Keller began his career with Mesa Fire and Rescue in 1990.

His funeral is at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at Mission Community Church, 4450 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert.

Keller’s death hit home for Mayor Mark Freeman, a firefighter who worked with him.

“As a retired Mesa Fire captain paramedic, Mark and I served together for many years, and I had the privilege of witnessing his dedication to our community firsthand,” Freeman said. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Keller family, his crew and all members of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Mark’s legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

A day after Keller’s passing hundreds of tributes and condolences had already poured into the department’s Facebook page and other social media platforms.

Keller was well-liked by all and described as jovial and supportive.

“This breaks my heart,” wrote Joleen Stonebraker Stratton. “We met him last summer when he responded to our 911 call when my son was choking on food.

“He was the nicest person. At the hospital he invited us to come see him at the fire station that coming weekend.

“We went there and he gave us a tour. We were so grateful for his help on one of our scariest days.”

Steve Petronsky called Keller a “good-hearted man” who will be missed dearly.

“Mark and his team responded and helped give my mom another five years with us,” Petronsky said.

Daniel Pouliot said that some of his fondest memories during his short tenure with Mesa Fire “were roving into and being tempted with Mark and the crews at Station 206.”

“The brotherhood feeling was strong there at that time,” Pouliot said.” As I see how many posts and pictures are being shared, it really speaks to the type of man, friend and firefighter he was. I am really shocked and saddened to receive this news but it was a privilege to get to know him, laugh with him and work alongside him. Rest in peace Mark”

Andrew Hill said he was fortunate enough to have run a handful of 911 calls with Keller. “Mark was such a nice human, very kind, sincere and cared for his patients and his community,” he said.

Mike Aagaard, a fellow long-time firefighter, said, “You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Your love for the job and passing on all your knowledge on to the younger generation says the type of person you were. You were one of the best. We’ll take it from here, my friend.”

© 2025 East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.). Visit www.eastvalleytribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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HENDERSON, Kentucky (May 13, 2025)—The city of Henderson officially broke ground on the new Fire Station 1 this afternoon, marking a major step forward in enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities and public safety infrastructure, the city said in a press release. City officials, fire department leadership, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the launch of this state-of-the-art facility.

The new 20,000-square-foot station will replace the city’s aging central station and is designed to meet the current and future needs of both the Henderson Fire Department and the growing community it serves.

“This new facility represents a huge leap forward for our department and our city,” said Josh Dixon Henderson Fire Chief. “It’s about faster responses, better training, and being more equipped to serve Henderson residents in every emergency.”

Key features and benefits of the new Fire Station 1 include:

• Safe Haven Baby Box: Henderson Fire Station 1 will be equipped with the city’s only Safe Haven Baby Box, providing a safe, secure, and anonymous option for parents in crisis to legally surrender a newborn. This life-saving resource offers compassion and protection for both infants and parents.
• Modern Bay Doors: The station will include bi-fold bay doors that open more quickly than traditional doors, require less maintenance, and improve both visibility and response times. These doors also enhance the building’s overall appearance with a clean, modern look.
• Advanced Training Facilities: The station will house a large training room capable of hosting outside training classes, allowing the Henderson Fire Department to collaborate with other agencies and expand professional development. A built-in training tower will support critical, year-round firefighter training—including: high rope rescue, confined space operations, hose deployment, and simulated smoke conditions.
• Centralized Equipment Storage: Once again the station will house both the rescue apparatus and the fire boat together in a centrally located facility. This will allow for quicker deployment and decreased response times, ultimately leading to better service for Henderson residents.
• Improved Access to Densely Populated Areas: The central location of Fire Station 1 will provide faster access to Henderson’s most densely populated areas, ensuring more efficient emergency response where it’s needed most. This includes enhanced coverage for residents in the East End, who will benefit from quicker access to first responders and a greater sense of security. 

This facility isn’t just a building—it’s a commitment to safety, training, and service,” said Mayor Brad Staton. “It will help ensure our firefighters have the tools they need to protect our community, now and for generations to come.”

Construction is underway, and the facility is expected to be operational by the beginning of 2027.

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