Toisnot Rural Fire Department donated a 1992 GMC/E1 pumper to the department Dec. 12 after the engine made its last ride at the Elm City Christmas Parade the previous day. Santa Claus himself marked the occasion by riding atop the engine in its final ride with the department.

The department bought the engine brand new in 1992 and used it for more than 10 years before donating it. Fire Chief Lin Jones said the department's original plan was to sell the engine because it recently bought a brand new 2016 Freightliner Toyner to replace the donated pumper.

He added when the department's board of directors heard about Princeville Volunteer Fire Department's recovery efforts, its members unanimously decided to donate the vehicle. Jones said Princeville Fire Chief James Powell was surprised by the donation when he was first told about it.

"He was totally shocked," Jones said. "He was even more surprised when he saw it."
Powell agreed.

"I couldn't imagine another organization that would donate such a vital piece of equipment," Powell said. "I didn't believe it."

Jones said though the two departments have never worked together before, the donation has brought them closer. He added being able to help another department recover from such a loss humbled him.

Powell said the engine already has been put to work since its recent donation. He said it was used to relieve another of the department's engines at a recent house fire.

Authorities say 29-year-old-Vincent Gerber had been asking people in Sheldon for a ride Monday morning.

After no one would give it to him, he went to the fire station and stole a truck.

He then left town and drove through train crossing arms on his way to Enderlin.

Sax said the township took out a $400,000 loan to purchase the new vehicle for the department. The township has also applied for a Local Share Account (gaming) grant to help defray the cost.

Plains Township Fire Department responds to approximately 1,500 calls a year, and officials estimate the new pumper truck will respond to about 90 percent of them. It took two after the truck was delivered from the factory to put it into service because the 16 full-time and six part-time crew members had to mount equipment and train on the vehicle.

The township also bought the department some new tools, including a battery-powered Jaws of Life set — a device used to free drivers from their vehicles after crashes — and a new hose.