WALPOLE ISLAND FIRST NATION – There is a happy fire department here with the arrival of a much-needed, brand new 2023 Freightliner pumper fire truck to serve the community.
“This is going to be a big difference,” said Walpole Island Fire Chief Charlie Wright.
He said the new, modern vehicle will replace a 20-year fire truck and also enable a 1985 pumper to finally be “put to rest.”
The fire chief said the process to get the new pumper truck began in 2019 before skidding to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Then Wright received a call a year ago from Indian Affairs offering to revisit their application to receive a new pumper truck.
“I said, ‘How much do we have to pitch-in to cover the cost?’” he said.
Wright said it was great news when Indian Affairs informed him the entire $375,000 cost was covered.
He said there was a good turnout recently for orientation on the new truck.
“The guys are happy we’ve been looking forward to this vehicle getting here.”
Wright said the vehicle comes with an up-to-date lighting package including the bright blue lights now common on emergency vehicles.
He added there is a heat shield under the neat the truck to keep the pump tank from freezing, along with a movable rack for easier access to the ladder as well as power windows and mirrors.
Wright said the station’s 2003 Freightliner truck “has been through everything.
“We’re getting to the point where it’s starting to need some major maintenance to it and we were just holding off until we got this truck,” he added.
The fire service has a 2009 mini-pumper and pickup truck that both good for battling wild land fires because they can get into tighter spaces, he added.
But, there’s no chance the new 2023 Freightliner pumper will be kept in the fire hall to try to preserve the new vehicle smell.
Wright said the new truck will be going to every call that comes in.