In an effort to combat staff shortages and improve response times, the Baraboo (WI) Fire Department and EMS hope to consolidate, reports nbc15.com.

Officials say a merger would make training a dual purpose—leading to more qualified first responders and thus a faster response time.

City officials say the consolidation wouldn’t increase taxes, though final plans are a ways away.

The report notes that, in addition, a new station is needed, and, with a merger, perhaps the new facility wouldn’t need separate areas for fire and EMS. The current digs doesn’t meet space or functionality needs.

The aim is to get community feedback this year, begin construction in 2023, and complete the project in 2024.

The Peters Township (PA) Fire Department has placed an order for a new Pierce pumper.

The purchase was recently approved by town council, and the new apparatus will replace “an aging apparatus that originally served as our rescue truck and was repurposed as our reserve pumper,” the department writes on Facebook.

“We appreciate the support from Township leadership and Council in approving this purchase! As our community grows, our call volume grows with it. Ensuring that our fire apparatus are replaced on a regular schedule allows us to uphold our long-standing commitment to providing the best in public safety!”

“This pumper, dubbed the workhorse, includes a 1,500-gpm pump, 750-gallon New York-style tank with low hose bed, a Husky 3 foam system, all 12V Hi-Viz scene lighting, and (2) FRC push up lights at the cab rear on both sides,” Glick Fire Equipment says on Facebook. “This flat roof Saber cab includes seating for 4 with exterior access to interior storage on both sides for EMS equipment, a Cummins L9 450hp engine, and an LS RS and R camera system, all on a 174.5 wheelbase.”

The Traer (IA) Fire Department recently received a donated 55’ aerial to add to its fleet.

Cedar Falls council member Dave Sires donated the apparatus.

“We are beyond grateful to Dave Sires, his wife, and his trusty dog Jack,” the department writes on Facebook. “We are working on making some minor repairs and getting the truck put in service in the next couple months.”

Sires purchased the apparatus about a year ago for fun, reports kcrg.com.

See video of the Bronto Skylift, which boasts continuous 360-degree rotation; stands 12 feet tall; 43 feet, 4 inches long; can be fully jacked in 45 seconds; has a 135-foot reach; and can pump 1,250 gallons per minute.

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