Sunday, village and Freeport Fire Department officials braved the elements at Patriot Hose Co. 4 to christen Unit 214, a 2021 Ferrara custom pumper.

“The members were extremely happy to have Honorary Chief Richie Grempel on hand for this dedication and christening,” a Facebook post reads. “We thank Mayor Kennedy and the Village Board for their steadfast support for our Fire Department and continuing to update our fleet to the state-of-the-art, newest apparatus. Thank you to all who attended today’s ceremony at the only firehouse located directly on Sunrise Highway on Long Island.”

Marco Island Fire Rescue recently provided an update on the construction for its future Station 50: The concrete for the second floor has been poured.

More on the project here:

Project Description:

This project consists of demolishing the existing Fire Station 50 and constructing a new hurricane-rated Fire Station. This facility will also contain the following features:

• City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• The City’s primary data center
• A fire training tower
• A community training room
• A fueling station for City vehicles.

In addition to the facility’s construction, this project also includes making site improvements to the main campus, increasing green space, and improving the property’s stormwater management.

Project Budget:

$12,592,673.00 (Construction)

This project is partially funded by the Collier County One-Cent Sales Surtax and Grant funding.

Current Progress:

Structural work is currently underway, including the following:

• Putting up CMU walls (first floor) – Complete
• Second floor plank scheduled – Complete
• Water Proofing – In Progress
• Interior framing beginning early June

Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), a leading innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Maxi-Métal Inc. (MAXIMETAL) of Saint-Georges de Beauce, Quebec, Canada. MAXIMETAL is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom fire apparatus and utility vehicles in the Canadian market and will be part of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency segment.

“MAXIMETAL is an organization known for quality, reliability, and an overriding focus on customer service and support,” said John C. Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation president and chief executive officer. “Their culture and customer focus align exceptionally well with Oshkosh, Pierce Manufacturing and its dealer network.”

“This acquisition will enhance the combined strengths of Pierce and MAXIMETAL by broadening collaboration and expanding sales and distribution capabilities within Pierce’s North American dealer network,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and Fire & Emergency segment president. “Oshkosh expects to benefit from MAXIMETAL’s experience and leadership as the company grows its combined presence in the Canadian market.”

MAXIMETAL has served fire and emergency professionals since 1983 and is a premier fire apparatus manufacturer in Canada. MAXIMETAL will maintain its name, team members, facilities, and branding elements.

Residents say fires in Olowalu and its surrounding areas are inevitable and happen often, which is a problem as the nearest fire station is more than five miles from Olowalu, Launiupoko, and Ukumehame.

To combat this, a campaign has been started to raise approximately $2 million to build a fire substation. As of this posting, $16,313 has been raised. The goal is to have it up and running in 12 months.

“There is a spiritual axiom that people won’t care much about what we know until they see how much we care,” a press release from the West Maui Improvement Foundation says. “​I am so grateful to our volunteer WMIF & WMTA Board of Directors and our supporters & members who are joining with us as we continue to reveal how much we care about our West Maui Community. No other organization in Hawaii has done more for its community in the last 43 years than WMTA.  Our track record is stellar, and our future is ambitious.

“South Lahaina, Launiupoko, Olowalu, Ukumehame are all areas outside of the Maui Fire Departments (MFD) five-mile radius of the Lahaina Fire Station and therefore are at greater risk of fire and life Safety due to the MFD response time. Delayed response times may cost us our homes, businesses and even our lives! In addition, when brush fires start along the Pali all of West Maui is landlocked! Quicker response times benefit everyone!

“A proposed station in Olowalu solves this problem for all. The County’s long-term plans acknowledge a station is needed but may not be in the plans for many years. Through the hard work and cooperation from the Maui Fire Department, Maui Taxpayers Association (WMTA), Mahanalua Nui HOA Fire committee, Olowalu Homes, Inc., The County of Maui, and numerous other Individuals and Associations we are proud to announce that progress is being made to make this a reality sooner than anyone ever thought.

“Through a generous land donation of 2 acres in Olowalu, a new cost saving modular constructed Fire Station, we are streaking toward our goal which is to have a Fire station in Olowalu in less than 12 months!!”