Fire District getting new pumper units, focusing on specialized training

Maricopa Fire District will soon have three new pumper units. The pumpers, approved for purchase by the governing board last year, are currently in Florida, where they were built.

Deputy Chief Dan Ashton and several staff members have inspected the units, which they hope to receive sometime in January. “These units were designed in-house from the axle up,” explained Chief William Kelleher. “There is nothing like them in the state of Arizona or anywhere.”

The units will be on 10-year lease agreements. According to Finance Director Pat Krueger, “This option frees up almost $800,000 in capital over the 10-year time frame.” Additionally, KB Home is funding the cost of one pumper for the fire district.

“It’s fantastic that builders do step up, setting the bar for participation,” noted board member Oliver Anderson. “Perhaps others will do so.”

Board President Don Pearce added, “A lot of people don’t understand that it’s about $450,000 for a truck and then $200,000 for the equipment.”

The department will also be purchasing a storage drive unit in an amount not to exceed $7,500, “an add-in to the present server unit, which will allow for up to 100 users simultaneously,” according to Krueger. “This should take care of us for three to five years.”

Members of the Fire District governing board (from left) President Don Pearce, Oliver Anderson and J.W. Salazar. Sandra Baker-Probasco attended via conference call.

District insurance contract
McNeil and Company will be the insurance vendor for the district’s liability, umbrella, property and board insurance coverage. Specializing in fire service coverage, the company was the sole bid. “They actually came out and videotaped equipment, vehicles and buildings,” explained Krueger. “They provide excellent coverage for the dollar.”

Annexation request
The board approved a request from Cole Investment Advisors for the annexation of Hartman Ranch into the Maricopa Fire District. The Hartman’s homestead will be exempted, according to Carolyn Oberholtzer of Rose Law Group.

“We’ve been trying to do this for the last 20 years,” noted Pearce. Hartman Ranch is a 600-acre development, scheduled to for grading by late 2008. Station 574 at Alterra will serve the development until new stations come on line.

Departmental update
Chief Kelleher indicated that the men are pleased with their new, larger quarters at Station 571. The mobile housing replaced that of the old, interim city hall.

On January 26 the department will have a swearing-in ceremony, featuring its own color guard, bagpipers and drummers. Currently the department has 60 people and four stations; its new motto is “Semper Fidelis.”

According to the Chief, “The two-year transition period is ending in January. The next movement is developing special skill sets in the coming year.” The specialized skills include heavy rescue, swift water rescue and hazardous materials training.