Command Vehicle Will Increase Department's Efficiency
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The Chinook Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) has a new command vehicle, Unit #708. This white Ford F250 HD pickup is outfitted with an Iconic X First Responder Truck Cap and multiple added features that are tailored to the needs of first responders who serve with the department.
The pickup and box were purchased with what the Blaine County Commissioners refer to as the Five Year Fund. Fire chiefs who represent departments from Chinook, Harlem, Hogeland, and Turner gather annually to prioritize their projects and needs. From this list, the commissioners allocate monies to fund these needs on a greatest priority basis.
According to Fire Chief Kraig Hansen, this is the first new vehicle that the CVFD has received in forty years for command purposes. Unit #708 will be dispatched on every fire call.
Getting the pickup ready was a collaborative effort. After it arrived from Havre Ford-the dealership that won the quote-CVFD personnel ordered and then installed an Iconic X Truck Cap. With manufacturing headquarters and a distribution center in Canada, Iconic X sells a selection of storage products that are "designed, built, and tested to endure the toughest jobs." The one ordered by the CVFD is made from marine-grade aluminum with stainless steel hardware that will resist rust. It has multiple storage compartments-two on the side and double doors to access the rear compartment with sliding storage trays. These storage areas are sealed against water incursion, keeping gear secure and dry.
"The last thing a first responder should struggle with when arriving on scene is locating their equipment and gear. The slide out trays make the equipment easily accessible, and the organization makes us more efficient, allowing us to focus on saving lives or structures," stated Scott Gallus, an Assistant Chief with the CVFD.
Other accessories like the front bumper, winch, and heavier tires were purchased with grant funds and installed by CVFD personnel. Lights, a radio console, and computer tablet bracket were obtained with money generated from the Annual CVFD Coyote Hunt fundraiser.
Hannah Weber with Montana Grafix did the vehicle's striping and lettering. Working onsite, she gave Department personnel a variety of choices for lettering, design, color, and placement. "With Hannah's computerized simulation, we got to see several options before we came to a consensus about what looked best," Hansen explained.
In final preparations, Gallus installed a strobing light bar on the cab, a rear light bar for directing the flow of traffic from the back, and flashing marker lights at multiple corners on the vehicle.
"With a new command vehicle, we're equipped to do more," said Chief Hansen. "When we maintain a central command station, whether on an extended call out in the field or not, we have the added equipment to work more effectively. Central command enables one person to oversee everyone working on an incident. For example, if we're on a grass fire, we can monitor 2-3 different channels from a single base. One channel can be dedicated to the right flank fighting the blaze, another to the left flank so that we're not working at cross purposes. Having someone in command, overlooking the whole picture helps to ensure that everyone stays safe. After all, getting everyone home safe is our goal."
