Senator gives to NEBCO
Rescue truck invaluable
GARFIELD — The new rescue truck carries essential equipment; parked in a bay at Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire/EMS Department’s Station 1, the new truck runs on almost every call.
The 2014 truck is equipped with Jaws of Life, a system to refill firefighters’ air packs, ropes, stabilization equipment and other essential pieces of equipment. A light on a telescoping pole provides illumination for scenes. The truck cost $238,615 — $50,000 of which was given by state Sen. Cecile Bledsoe (R.-Rogers) from Arkansas’ General Improvement Fund.
“I feel that they’re providing a very important service; they do an excellent job,” she said. “They aim for excellence in everything they do. It will help them continue this path of excellence.”
Bledsoe said NEBCO personnel work hard to raise money for their department including hosting various fundraisers — the pancake breakfast, turkey shoot, chili cook off and more.
“The new rescue truck will help with all of our extrication; it goes on all house fires and on the majority of medical calls to assist with the ambulance,” Fire Chief Rob Taylor said, adding that it would eventually carry the swift-water rescue equipment for which personnel are being trained to use.
Taylor said the department had a smaller rescue truck, a 1984 model, that is “showing its age” and was not capable of carrying all of the needed equipment.
The department received $142,000 from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
“We have so many supporters,” said Kara Funk, chairman of the NEBCO Board of Directors.