Chamois Fire adds new truck to improve wintertime response capabilities

By Elise Brochu, Staff Writer
Posted 12/11/24

CHAMOIS — Chamois Fire Protection District has made some major equipment upgrades over the past few years. Their latest acquisition is a 1998 Freightliner FL80 with a high-flow …

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Chamois Fire adds new truck to improve wintertime response capabilities

Posted

CHAMOIS — Chamois Fire Protection District has made some major equipment upgrades over the past few years. Their latest acquisition is a 1998 Freightliner FL80 with a high-flow 1750-gallon-per-minute pump, 1,250-gallon water capacity, and integrated foam system, bought to replace the department’s 1976 pumper. 

It was apropos that the new truck was used to escort Santa to Chamois’ annual Christmas tree-lighting. “We needed something to improve our wintertime response capabilities,” said Chief Sean Hackmann, adding that the new truck has a heated pump, automatic tire chains, and four-wheel-drive. “Since we have over 25 gracious volunteer firefighters now, we can put five in the cab at one time.”

The cab also has a place in each seats for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which firefighters use to protect their respiratory systems from toxic gases and other harmful particulates during a fire.

“This truck will not only be able to respond to structure fires or any fire in the wintertime, it will also be able go on all motor vehicle accidents without freezing up,” he said, “We now have three four-wheel-drive trucks with wintertime response capabilities.”

Since Chamois is divided by railroad tracks, with a fire station on each side of the tracks, Chamois Fire keeps a fully functional pumper truck on each side, in case of crossing blockage. 

The new truck is the latest of many upgrades the department has made since Hackmann became chief. Chamois also upgraded its 2,000 gallon tanker from a 1988 Volvo to a 2006 International with an automatic transmission. “It is much easier to drive for all of our members,” Hackmann said.

Their first responder vehicle has been upgraded from a two-wheel-drive to a four-wheel-drive with more storage space, rescue equipment, and five-person cab. They converted an LMTV Stewart Army truck into a brush/rescue truck with very high clearance and four-wheel-drive. “This truck was graciously donated to us by our Osage County Sheriff’s Office, and it’s very much appreciated,” Hackmann said.

Belle Fire donated a 55-foot aerial ladder truck with a four-person cab. “This will help us out on structure fires, (for) safe roof access and venting, grain bin and elevated rescues, as well as flue fires,” Hackmann explained. “All of these different vehicles require extensive training. We train the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, as well as our monthly board meeting. We have many volunteers who spend a lot of time learning and training, so if you see any of them, please thank them for their time and service! We certainly enjoy doing it and serving our community.”

Chamois Fire is also currently working on a huge grant for new turnout gear, boots and helmets, to keep their firefighters safe. “They are very expensive, as they are around $4,500 a set, including light weight brush gear for summertime,” Hackmann said, reminding Chamois residents that Chamois Fire has smoke detectors for anyone who needs them. “We wish everyone a safe holiday season.”