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Martin City Puts Finishing Touches on New Fire Truck
Volunteer department able to purchase new truck with FEMA grant
The Martin City Rural Fire Department's newest fire truck. - Justin Franz/Flathead Beacon
Martin City Rural Fire Department Chief Tom Torpen is proud of his department's new addition, a $225,000 fire truck purchased with a Federal Emergency Management Administration grant.
The new truck arrived in March, but Torpen and other volunteers have spent the last few months adding pumps, hoses and other equipment. The truck will be used to respond to car accidents along U.S. Highway 2 between Hungry Horse and Marias Pass. The Martin City department is the only one on that remote stretch of road along Glacier National Park's southern edge with a “Jaws of Life” cutter. Torpen said his department responds to at least two car wrecks a week during the summer.
The volunteer fire department has been working for more than a year to purchase the new truck, Torpen said. Built in 2010 by U.S. Fire Equipment in Tacoma, Wash., the fire truck will replace a 1987 model that was plagued with problems.
“It just broke down every time we took it out,” Torpen said.
The new vehicle has four-wheel drive and a 750-gallon water tank. It can also pump 1,250 gallons of water a minute when connected to a fire hydrant.
The new truck arrived in March, but Torpen and other volunteers have spent the last few months adding pumps, hoses and other equipment. The truck will be used to respond to car accidents along U.S. Highway 2 between Hungry Horse and Marias Pass. The Martin City department is the only one on that remote stretch of road along Glacier National Park's southern edge with a “Jaws of Life” cutter. Torpen said his department responds to at least two car wrecks a week during the summer.
“It just broke down every time we took it out,” Torpen said.
The new vehicle has four-wheel drive and a 750-gallon water tank. It can also pump 1,250 gallons of water a minute when connected to a fire hydrant.
Nice job, you guys - Way To Go!!!
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