The Kisbey Volunteer Fire Department has had a solid year of fundraising and gaining donations from the community of nearly $10,000 has led to the acquisition of updated equipment.
Fundraising included a Canada Day Barbeque and running the bar during the Ducks Unlimited supper; but, approximately $7,000 was given through donations from the community.
Previously they have been using equipment from the 1960s. As Rob Cobb, Fire Chief, stated this April, "Safety of the members of the team is extremely important; it all comes down to safety in the end."
This is the reason for their active fundraising efforts this year, safety. They have been able to raise enough money to supply their 22 volunteers with new equipment. Their new kit includes jumpsuits, helmets, gloves, boots, and two pistol grip nozzles for the water hoses.
They will continue helping the community with emergency needs, but also with supplying them with various fun ways to come together. They are considering planning a possible Kids Christmas Party this winter and beginning next summer with a pancake breakfast. They have many ideas to keep the community involved while continuing to raise money for the Fire Department, as they face vehicle maintenance in the future and the possible conversion of the old fire truck into a grass fire truck.
Usually the team gets between 12 and 15 people out to attend fires, which are called in. The Kisbey area sees a majority of prairie grass and cropland fires, though they are able to respond to a number of other emergencies including structural fires. This is where training during a controlled burn is extremely useful as it provides an opportunity to learn, hands on, away from abstract concepts during meetings.
When responding to a call the volunteers need at least four people to man the fire truck; but, it is preferred to have more, which is why they are actively looking for volunteers. Volunteers must be 18 years old, but younger volunteers are able to train prior to their 18th birthday. They provide a needed service to the community, which is also able to gain them a $3,000 Federal Non-Refundable Tax Credit if completing a minimum of 200 hours with the department. This includes time put in for training, meetings, being on call, and responding to fires.
If interested in becoming a volunteer contact Rob Cobb or the Town Office. They have also established a Facebook page, which is updated with various information concerning future events through searching for Kisbey Fire Services.
