New Buffalo Center fire truck arrives

     The Buffalo Center Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of its new pumper truck on Friday, June 29, from Heiman Fire Supply of Sioux Falls, SD. Firemen met at the BC Fire Station that day to train on the truck’s operations, test its performance, and move equipment to the new unit.

     The new truck is a four-door M-2106 Freightliner with a 1,250 GPM (gallons per minute) Rosenbauer pump. The department purchased the truck from Heiman Fire Supply thanks to support from the City of Buffalo Center, Buffalo Center Fire Department Rural Board, grants, and donations. The cost of the truck was $258,810.

     “The department has been proactive, and we have been saving for this purchase for a while,” said Buffalo Center Fire Chief Brian Blodgett. “It is exciting to see it delivered. The truck exceeded my expectations.”

     Blodgett says the truck has new control and safety systems that will really make a difference when battling fires. “For example, the truck has an air priming system. In the past, priming the pump can take valuable time at the scene. When testing on Friday, this new feature worked great,” said Blodgett.

     “Thank you everyone for your support of the BCVFD, without your support this would not have been possible,” added Blodgett. “Your donations are very important to the fire district and make a difference.”