Also, in 1980, a Kaypro computer was purchased, installed and loaded with all the properties protected by the Department, with directions on how to get to each. When the location is called up, the directions are printed out, and a copy is carried on each unit responding to the call. Several years ago this systems was updated with the purchase of a new IBM computer. (This IBM PC was still in service for part of 2000)

1982 To 1983  

700.jpg (69715 bytes)In 1982, in observance of 25 years of doing business in the United States, the Toyota Company sponsored a program, whereby it was to award vehicles to public service organizations throughout the nation. The Department submitted an application for on of these vehicles, and on October 25, 1983 the Department was presented with a 4-wheel-drive, long bed, Deluxe Toyota pickup truck, including a topper donated by St. Cloud Toyota, This truck was loaded with all the rescue equipment, resuscitator, repelling equipment, and portable electric generator and lights, etc. and became the first rescue truck. It was shortly thereafter that the name of the Department was changed to the St. Stephen Fire and Rescue Department.

In 1983, due to dwindling attendance and therefore, diminishing profit realized from the annual dance and raffle, these were eliminated in favor of an annual dinner and Vegas night held at the St. Stephen's Parish Hall. A limited number of tickets were sold for this event and a charge of $25, which included the meal, drinks and a change at various cash prized, the largest of which was $1,000. Due to the risks involved with gambling at an event of this kind, it was discontinued in 1992.

Also, in 1983, upon the retirement of Bill Vouk, the original Secretary-Treasurer, Ron Blenkush was elected to that office and served until January 2001.

1984

In 1984, in order to have access to a greater volume of water, a well was drilled next to the reservoir located next to the St. Stephen's Parish Hall, and a 540 gallon-per minute pump was installed to keep the reservoir filled. In addition, a hydrant was installed and a 1,000 gallon-per minute pump, which draws the water from the reservoir, was installed to supply this hydrant from which the tanker trucks are filled. This resulted in a better rating for the Department for delivering water to a fire and thereby lowering the fire insurance premiums for the people served by the Department. In 1997, a large diameter pipe was laid underground to the St. Stephen Elementary School to supply water for a newly installed sprinkler system in that building. There is also another hydrant located there. The school district then installed an automatic standby electric generator on the school grounds to supply electrical power to the pumps at the reservoir, in case of a power outage. So the Department will always have access to a water supply, even when electrical service is interrupted due to a storm or any other circumstance.

Also, in 1984, upon the departure from St. Stephen by Assistant Chief, Dick Silbernick, Roger Trobec was elected to that office and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2007.

1985

In 1985, new helmets were purchased for each member, providing better protection form the heat than the old fiber of plastic ones they replaced. Also in September of that year, the Department was granted a charitable gambling license (B-00890) for the purpose of selling pull-tabs in Trobec's Bar. Over the years this activity has been and excellent source of funds for the purchase of all the various kinds of equipment needed by the department.