President Barry Rehlich has been involved with the fire company for 34 years and he has witnessed the evolution of trucks and equipment the station has used. Rehlich understands the importance of having dependable equipment, even if it comes with a hefty price tag.  

“We applied for grants, utilized township money and used our truck fund,” said Rehlich, in regards to the fundraising process. “Our chicken barbecues keep the building running and go towards equipment.”

Obtaining the new pumper from Pierce Manufacturing was a three to four year process, from the time it was first discussed in a township meeting to the time the truck went into service on Aug. 27 of this year.

The fire department, which services the four unorganized territories of Sinclair, Cross Lake, Square Lake and Madawaska Lake, and Westmanland through contract, applied for the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant this spring.  

The department responded to 38 calls in 2017 and already has responded to 39 calls this year.  

The FEMA firefighter grants help departments obtain equipment they might not be able to buy otherwise. The only stipulation for the grant awarded earlier this month, is for the department to pay 5 percent, roughly $2,500 of the cost to purchase the equipment.

“The JIBC runs a specialized world class training facility located here in Maple Ridge. First responders from across Canada and around the world received advanced training that allows them to deal with a huge array of fire emergency and rescue scenarios,” said Maple Ridge Mayor Nicole Read. “Council is pleased to be able to assist them with this important work with the donation of our retired fire truck.”