Wildland truck and new hires approved

POMEROY–The Garfield County Fire District No. 1 board (GCFD) approved $195,129.03 to purchase a new wildland truck, three new EMT/FF hires and other pending business.

The board approved the purchase of the wildland truck for $189,129.03, and an additional $6,000 for incidentals, if needed. The truck, according to the minutes by DeeDee Weymouth, District Secretary/EMT-1 and discussed at the previous meeting on February 8, will be constructed using a Ford chassis and most likely a 6.7-liter Powerstroke engine, which, according to information from Ford Motor Company, promises a life expectancy of 200,000 miles or better. The board decided to obtain the 500-gallon poly tank instead of the stainless-steel tank. The difference in price is $8,000.

Commissioners also approved the hiring of three part-time EMT/FF personnel to cover sick leave, vacations and to fill open time on the schedule.

In other business, the district received a donation of $110, through a Blue Mountain Community Foundation program. A donation of $100 was made and the Blue Mountain Community Foundation made a 10%.

The new SAFER grant has been submitted. Funds could potentially be used for professional videos which offers shorter versions for recruitment purposes.