WPFD is excited to announce a new fire apparatus, a fire truck, a pumper to be more specific, is on its way to Station #1! For many years we have made plans for the replacement of a frontline pumper at our Station #1 in the Col. Glenn area. Our current Engine 1 (E1) is a 1999 Toyne/International pumper that has served us well but is beginning to show its age. With years of saving and planning an order was made in 2021 to start the process have the new truck built by acquiring a heavy-duty chassis (the Kenworth truck cab and frame) and then having the manufacturer custom build the apparatus to our specifications. The base chassis has box/compartment sections for equipment and storage built from aluminum, then they install the water pump and plumbing that connects to the transmission. After that fittings, hooks, shelving, lighting, and more are added to our specifications. The truck is nearing the end of the construction process and is undergoing testing and final fitment of a few things like equipment doors and such. We know this truck will service our needs well and should serve our fire district and communities well for decades. Here is a sneak peek of the truck in process and we can’t wait to get it back to Arkansas and to get it into service as soon as possible.

We respond to so many calls for help. After our job is done, the patient goes to the next level of care and we rarely hear much about outcomes or progress after we have completed our task. And that is okay. We’ve done our job. Well, every now and then we get a progress report and we’re happy to hear an update from a complicated off-road rescue from several weeks back and got permission to share. There was an overturned off-road vehicle call with entrapment, injury, and it didn’t help that it was a bit remote, difficult to access, and late at night. We had what we would consider a good outcome once we and a team of many accessed the patient and supported quick transport for significant injuries. Well, our new friend Scott and his family dropped by our Station 2 one recent evening to meet with the folks that responded that night to the rescue. Scott and his family brought us some great BBQ and showed appreciation for our efforts. We were so glad to meet with all of them and hear about a promising recovery! Get well soon, Scott! Shared with permission

We wish YOU a Merry Christmas! From all of us at WPFD, we hope you and your family have a safe holiday.

We had a fantastic time participating in the Annual Ferndale Christmas Parade. Each year this event grows to an even larger group of characters and vehicles to celebrate the season! Thanks to all that came out to participate. As always, we increase our candy for distribution but always run out as the crowds grow larger. We will get more candy and see you next year!

Press hard and fast in the center of the chest…… WPFD is teaching another CPR class today at our Station 2 on Kanis Road. Firefighters take this class and refresh their skills every 2 years as a part of regular training on CPR, Oxygen therapy, Automatic external defribillation AED, choking and more.