The Melrose Fire Department received an $80,000 grant from FEMA/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANGAGEMENT AGENCY this year to purchase a new brush truck. The Fire Department’s share of the cost was $4000 and this portion of the money came from donations received during their annual July celebrations. Melrose is very grateful for all who have helped and supported the Fire Department.
The new Ford F350 Super Duty chassis was purchased from Albia Ford Motor. The truck was taken to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where equipment was built and installed. Some of the equipment includes: a 250 gallon water tank, a ten gallon Class A foam tank, pump, hoses and hose reel, foam attachments, two booster hose lines and nozzles, and a remote control operated spray gun.
The spray gun is mounted on the front of the truck to assist with grass fires. It can be operated from the inside of the truck using a joystick controller. There are 3 storage compartments for equipment. The truck has several advanced safety features.
The Melrose Volunteer Fire Department now has two pumper trucks and three brush trucks available.
Presently there are eighteen members serving on the Melrose Volunteer Fire Department. Members include: Pat Rush (Chief-FF-1), Mike Feehan (Assistant Chief-FF-1), Kerry Severa (Assistant Chief NC-FF-11), Richard Payne (Captain NC-FF-1), John Catron (Captain-NC-FF-1), JoBeth Lawless (EMS Officer/Treasurer NC-FF-1/EMT/RN), Mandy Means (Secretary/Safety NC-FF-11/EMT), Denny Flattery (FF-1), Justen Murphy (FF-1), Steve Carter (FF-1), Cali Feehan (EMT/ RN), Aaron McGee, Lee McFall (EMT) and JT Lacey. (NC stands for Nationally Certified-FF for Firefighter)
The Fire Department plans to start a JR firefighter program for persons at least 16 years of age.
Please visit the “Melrose Fire Department” facebook page and the Melrose web site “Photo” section for more pictures & updates. (Article contributed by Mandy Means)
The Melrose area residents APPRECIATE our Volunteer Fire Department~!!!!!!