BROKEN BOW— The Broken Bow Fire Department could be adding a new addition to their fleet as soon as this weekend after the Broken Bow City Council approved the purchase of a firetruck on Tuesday, April 13. The truck, a 1999 Pierce Dash 100’ SkyArm Firetruck comes with a price tag of $159,900 and will replace the 1977 ladder truck the department currently uses.
Fire Chief Jason Baum said the current truck is showing its age and with this newer truck available, now is a great time to purchase a replacement. While the amount seems like a lot for the ladder truck, Baum informed the council that the purchase of a brand new truck would be around $1.2 million and with the lower call volume that would require the use of the ladder truck, it was not feasible to purchase a new truck.
Baum also explained the ladder truck is needed due to a number of buildings in Broken Bow that are over two stories. He also noted the new truck has a tank included on the vehicle where the old one does not, the ladder is longer at 100’, and also includes a platform at the end where the current truck simply has a ladder.
With the improved features on the new truck, Baum explained the firefighters will be training with the Kearney Fire Department to learn how to make it all work smoothly, as Kearney has similar trucks in their firefighting arsenal. With the approval, the plan is to fly a few Broken Bow Fire Fighters to Paoli, PA to retrieve the truck and drive it back to Broken Bow. The hope is the have the crew back to the fire hall on Sunday.
Also during the meeting, City Administrator Dan Knoell talked to the board about a text service that would be an alert system for emergency notices, power outages, severe weather, etc. Knoell noted there have been delays in getting information to the public and this will allow the ability to receive information on your phone or email. The service will cost the City $2,300/year.
Broken Bow Area Rotary President Veronica Schmidt also attended the meeting and briefly spoke to the board and thanked City employees for stepping up to help with the UDSA Farm to Table events in March and April. As a thank you, Schmidt presented a plaque to City for their support of programs that help not only Broken Bow citizens, but anyone from around the area.
Receiving recognition during the meeting was the Broken Bow Public Library on being awarded the 2021 Non-Profit/Organization of the Year award from the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce and Electrical Superintendent Blake Waldow on receiving his Journeyman Electrician Certification.
The next Broken Bow City Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, April 27 at 6 PM.
