Coun–cillors here are considering a new means of getting firefighters to emergency scenes – by ATV.
The item came up as part of the fire committee report on Oct. 4.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said the report stated the Mount Forest Lions Club intends to donate $20,000 over a five year period to the Mount Forest Fire Department to purchase an ATV for fire department rescues. Broomhead said the department wants the purchase in the 2011 budget.
The Lions Club also requested that the club’s logo and the wording “in memory of Jack Johnson” be placed on the vehicle.
Broomhead asked how the project would be funded if the donation is coming over five years.
Treasurer John Jeffery said the funding could be done internally, through the township. He also noted that Fire Chief Ron MacEachern had spoken to him as well, and the vehicle will be up for discussion in the 2011 budget.
Jeffery added the resolution before council does not commit to the purchase, only that it will be included in 2011 budget discussions.
Councillor Ross Chaulk asked when the fire department would use an ATV.
Jeffery said the idea is if members have to respond to a medical call in the bush or an area that could not be reached by the rescue van – whether it be over terrain, mud, or snow.
“It would give them ac–cess to respond. Apparently Dundalk has one, and they use it quite a bit,” Jeffery added.
The vehicle is not a typical ATV and is designed for use by the fire department.
Councillors subsequently passed a motion to consider the purchase of an ATV fire rescue vehicle for the Mount Forest Department to be financed by a the Lions Club donation to be received over a five year period.
