1986
In 1986, bunker pants were purchased for
each member, again increasing the protection from the heat for the men.
1987
In 1987 a Rescue-Annie was purchased
with funds donated by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association. This is a
life-like adult-sized dummy, used for training he members on CPR. Some years
later, a baby-sized dummy of the same type was purchased with funds donated by
the St. Stephen American Legion Post. In addition, a Cascade Systems was
installed in the Fire Hall. This is a series of five large, high-pressure air
tanks, which are used to refill the air tanks for the Air-Packs. Prior to this,
the tanks had to be taken to St. Cloud for refilling.
1988
1988 marked the beginning of a two-year
period of rapid development for the Department, with the completion of new City
Hall/Fire Station offices for the City officials, Police and Fire Departments. A
kitchenette, as well as a meeting room, which is used by the City Council, Fire
Department and other organizations. The furnishings for this building were paid
for with donations received from local individuals and organizations, the name
of which can be seen on a plaque displayed on the wall in the hallway leading to
the City, Police and Fire Department offices.
The Fire station includes 3,528 square feet
for apparatus bay, a hose tower, which is also used for high-level rescue
training, as well as storage and maintenance rooms. The Fire Department office,
in additions to all the Department records, contains the computer and base
station for the two-way radios. It also served as the training classroom, having
a TV and VCR used for view training videos.
1989
In 1989, a 2,800-gallon tanker, built by
the Engle Company of Sauk Center, on a 1980 International 4,300 chassis, was
purchased, greatly increasing the Department's water hauling capacity...a most
important consideration when hydrants are not available in the area served to
pump from directly. This truck was replaced in 2000 and the chassis was
sold to a private individual.
In addition, a 4-wheel-drive 1984 Chevrolet
pickup was purchased and fitted with a 250 gallon-per-minute pump and water
tank. This unit is used for fighting grass and brush fires, where the larger
trucks may not be able to go. Also, a defibrillator was purchased and the men
were trained in its use. This is a unit that can start a heart that has stopped.
1990
In 1990, all the members became Certified
Firefighters by passing the test for Firefighter-One.
1993
In
December of 1993, the Department once again upgraded its firefighting capability
with the purchase of a new 1,250 gallon-per-minute pumper on a Freightliner FL80
chassis with crew cab, from Custom Fire Equipment, Osceola, WI. This pumper is
equipped with a top-mounted deluge gun, power descending ladder rack, 3,000
gallon drop tank, mounted generator, positive pressure fan, TV monitor for the
thermal imaging camera, large diameter 5" hose, 1-1/2" cross mount
live lines, class A & B foam inductions system, self-contained breathing
apparatus units and spare air tanks. Then in early 1994 the 1969 John Bean
high-pressure pumper was sold to a private individual. About 6 months later, due
to the great capability of this powerful new pumper, the 1980 for 1000 GPM
pumper was also sold.
1988 marked the beginning of a two-year
period of rapid development for the Department, with the completion of new City
Hall/Fire Station offices for the City officials, Police and Fire Departments. A
kitchenette, as well as a meeting room, which is used by the City Council, Fire
Department and other organizations. The furnishings for this building were paid
for with donations received from local individuals and organizations, the name
of which can be seen on a plaque displayed on the wall in the hallway leading to
the City, Police and Fire Department offices.
