Fire Chief John Mattox led the tour on Sept. 4, guiding the group from room to room of the roughly 9,000 square-foot building, which is being constructed at 53rd Street and Woodsonia Drive.  

Nearly half complete, the main structure of the building is constructed, with interior and exterior finishes, and electrical and plumbing in the works. The new station will feature six individual bunkrooms, a fitness center, a gear washing station, an expansive storage area and a community/training room.

The made-in-Canada truck was purchased for around $300,000 which was taken from a reserve fund and did not impact on the township’s budget.  

The new pumper replaces a former one that was taken out of service a few years ago. In the interim, the department has been working with a smaller pumper that is also equipped to fight fires, and with shared services from Callander’s fire department.  

Now that truck will be able to stay on the fire site working to put out the fire while the new truck shuttles water.

King said the new apparatus will help support firefighting efforts in east Norman and provide the department increased flexibility in how it responds across the city.  

Former Thunderbird Park Ranger Casey Fox said it will drastically improve the department’s ability to fight wildfires because it will provide immense amounts of water on scene, helping contain them before they get out of control.

A report from state police said officers were called to the crash at about 11:50 p.m. near Path Valley and Wineman roads, about 20 minutes after the company was called to a fire in the area. Police said the driver veered off the right side of the road, causing the vehicle to overturn. 

 

Metal Township Fire Chief Dale Hall said the man had left the station in the company's rescue truck shortly after another truck. He was the only one in the vehicle at the time of the incident. 

The driver was taken to Meritus Medical Center for treatment. Hall said as of Monday afternoon he was still in the hospital in the Intensive Care Unit awaiting testing and follow-up treatment. He asked for prayers for the man and his family.