by Cassi Geiser
Livingston Fire & Rescue received two new command trucks. The first to arrive in July was Command Truck 1. This truck replaced fire chief, Josh Chabalowski vehicle. That vehicle has been reassign to the new community paramedic. The second, Command Truck 2, arrived in August.
Chabalowski said the reason for the new purchases was to have the vehicles suited for deep snow/off-road use, and to update proper labeling for identification purposes. The old vehicles had aged out are still operational for other department use. The decision was made to have the new vehicles built with proper specifications for light-duty rescue, scene control and command used also include sufficient equipment storage enhancing the quality and efficiently of our main duties, according to Chabalowski.
The new trucks are Ford F-150s, high performance 4x4 trucks outfitted with power winches, superior emergency lighting, high performance radios and a special duty bed configuration to house EMS and fire rescue equipment.
“We are very pleased with these vehicles, which were built by Dana Safety Supply, in Livingston, (buy local),” said Chabalowski. “So far, the new vehicles have been very effective in daily operations, command/control, and patient rescue. They’re readily identifiable with the bold red color and Livingston Fire & Rescue markings.”
The number of total vehicles LF&R’s fleet has been reduced, overall. Chabalowski said that an old ambulance — no longer suited for patient transport—was donated to the City of Livingston Public Works Department to use as a utility truck. A light duty utility truck was also donated to Public Works as a daily driver from LF&R’s fleet. The reorganization of city vehicles is just one of the ways that LF&R is making positive changes in the community.
With the holidays rolling around before we know it, it’s important to think of giving back and for Livingston Fire & Rescue that means showing up to work everyday to save lives and put out fires, but what else?
According to Livingston Fire & Rescue Captain, Darren Kelley, every year the department reaches out to local businesses to donate towards Operation Warm Coats for Kids to help ensure local kids have jackets, gloves and hats for the winter season. Operation Warm Coats are ordered from LF&R every year and these coats are unique to the cause. The department does not accept jackets for donation, however, lightly used snow boots can be donated and will be forwarded to local area schools for children who need them. The money donated allows the department to order jackets at a very reasonable price from Operation Warm.
“This year we really hope to have more donations come in to use towards snow pants.” Kelley said.
Kelley expressed that he wishes the department could afford to fund this effort without asking for donations. So far this year, giving efforts are down. Kelley said that LF&R thankfully had some leftover coats from last year which helped.
“It’s nice to have this money on hand so we can get what kids need, and have a little reserve.”
This season the department, has donated 20-30 jackets to Winan’s Elementary and 20-30 coast to Community Health Partners, which were distributed by the parent liaisons to other schools/students in need.
Kelley said that LF&R also makes an effort to order coats for schools outside the city, such as Gardiner, Cooke City, Wilsall and Clyde Park schools.
“The schools are the ones that are in desperate need of coats and gloves,” said Kelley. “I can’t even tell you how many gloves we donated to them this year.”
Anyone interested in donating should go to the station directly at 414 E. Callendar, located in the City/County Complex.