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City of Cranbrook turns over fire truck to RDEK

Efforts are currently focused on raising additional funds to offset the costs of starting a new fire department in Elko.
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The City of Cranbrook has officially turned over the keys of one of its pumper trucks to the Regional District of East Kootenay.

The RDEK and a citizens group have been working on establishing a fire service in Elko and the original intent was to donate the pumper truck to Elko to help lower costs for a new fire department.

However, the establishment of a fire service is still a ways off. Efforts are currently focused on raising additional funds to offset the costs of starting a new fire department, and if adequate funding is raised, the issue still needs to go out to the community for a decision on whether or not a fire service proceeds in Elko.

In the interim, the pumper truck will be housed at the Jaffray Fire Department and used as a second engine. If a fire service is established in Elko, the pumper truck will be moved.

"I would like to once again thank the City of Cranbrook for its generosity," says RDEK Electoral Area B Director, Heath Slee. "The donation of this truck will be a huge asset to our rural fire departments and we are so grateful."

Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services was retiring the pumper after receiving delivery of a new engine earlier this month.

"We truly are one community here in the East Kootenay," says Wayne Stetski, Mayor of Cranbrook. "What happens in one of our towns and cities often benefits our neighbours. Getting our new fire engine and being able to donate this one to the RDEK is a prime example of that, and gifting it at Christmas time is very much in keeping with the season."

Pictured left to right: Front Row – RDEK Electoral Area B Director Heath Slee, Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski, Cranbrook Councillor Bob Whetham. Back Row: Jaffray / Baynes Lake Fire Chief Dave Boreen, Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services Wayne Price, Deputy Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services Dave Lind