ATCO supports Vermilion Fire Department

Earlier this week, the Vermilion Fire Department received a $5,000 donation from ATCO.

The funds will be put towards upgrading their wildland firetruck.

Their current half ton has limitations with weight capacity, so they are hoping to replace it sometime next year.

They’ll look for a truck with a bigger stature that can more easily haul their side-by-side or provide mutual aid in different terrain.

“We are very appreciative of ATCO for their generosity,” said firefighter Kevin Martin.

“We applied in January and even though COVID postponed grant applications, they always stayed in contact with us. We have ATCO members on our department as well as past members, and ATCO works with us on calls so we maintain a good relationship.”

He said that the versatility of a wildland truck makes it easier for firefighters to get around fields, hills, and other terrain in comparison to using their heavy firetrucks, and they are able to get to those tighter areas quicker.

The Vermilion Fire Department will be looking for a truck between $40,000-$80,000.

Most of their equipment will be able to transfer from the old truck to the new one, but they expect the new truck will likely have additional weight capacity and tool storage for the future.