| Fire relief association donates truck to city |
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By Joel Stottrup Members of the Princeton Fire Relief Association (who are also the members of the Princeton Fire and Rescue Department) have donated $4,800 to the city to purchase a used pumper fire truck. The money comes out of a fund that the fire relief members donated money to out of what they have earned going out on fire calls, according to Princeton Fire Chief Jim Roxbury. None of the donated money is taxpayer money, Roxbury said. Fire Relief Association President Troy Thompson, association treasurer Brad Hodgson and Roxbury were present for the donation during the city council’s study session last Thursday. The agreement is that the $4,800 will be used to buy a 1980 American LaFrance Century pumper fire truck from the city of Robbinsdale. Princeton will then house the truck in the new Wyanett Township maintenance garage/fire substation building located close to six miles east-northeast of the city. Having the fire truck there, along with the planned placement of another fire truck for a period in Princeton Township next year is intended to aid in fire fighting and rescue when two bridges are to be torn down and replaced in Princeton. One is the Mille Lacs County-owned Dunn Bridge on the city’s Rum River Drive next to Highway 95 and the other bridge is just to the east on Highway 95. Both bridges are alongside Riverside Park. Princeton City Administrator Mark Karnowski told the council that the pumper truck is in good shape despite it having close to 10,000 miles. The truck is described by Robbinsdale as being “response ready” with a 350 hp Detroit diesel engine and an Allison four-speed automatic transmission, power steering and air brakes. Its stainless steel tank holds 500 gallons and can pump 1,500 gallons per minute. It is also equipped with three ladders: a 28-foot extension type, a 16-foot roof type and an eight-foot attic ladder. Other touches include an Onan 3 DW diesel generator, newer radial tires with original chrome wheels and updated emergency lighting with LED lights. An alternator and four batteries have been replaced. The city’s only up-front expense, said Karnowski, will be to change the decals and make some other minor improvements. The Princeton department has sufficient hoses and other apparatus to fully equip the truck. The city’s additional annual expense would be about $400 in insurance premiums. To help with ISO rating Besides helping with protection during the bridge projects, the additional pumper is supposed to help the fire department in its effort to upgrade its ISO rating, Karnowski noted. The rating is a reflection of the department’s ability to carry out its mission in a speedy manner. A better ISO rating could possibly result in lower homeowner fire insurance premiums. Council member Dick Dobson said the purchase is a “very prudent move” and he complimented Roxbury for being able to find such deals. Also, this is looking ahead for the public’s safety when the two bridges are down next summer, Dobson added. Comments (0)
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