Couchiching First Nation, ON – The Hamilton Fire Department donated a second surplus fire truck to Couchiching First Nation, located east of Fort Frances, Ontario to help address their need for fire apparatus equipment. A fire truck becomes surplus when it has served its full life cycle of 20 years of front-line service within the Hamilton Fire Department.
In attendance, as the Pumper unit was donated were representatives from Couchiching First Nation Fire Service and special guests from The City of Hamilton Fire Department, Fort Frances along with members of the fire department and Chief Perrault.
Although these fire trucks are no longer suitable for service in a major centre such as Hamilton, it is anticipated that in the smaller communities, it will be able to provide many years of service.
The 1997 Freightliner 3 – person, commercial cab vehicle with a 1,350 gallon water tank and a 420 gallon per minute pump was delivered to Couchiching First Nation after taking a trip to Winnipeg Manitoba by CNRail from Hamilton to Winnipeg and Fort Garry Fire Truck assisted with maintenance and parts for the Fire Truck which was delivered on time.
“From a First Nations perspective, that’s really our goal is to have good relationships with all of our neighbours”, stated Chief Brian Perrault. “Because the Community is divided between the highway 11 and train tracks, this donated fire truck that was delivered from Hamilton Fire Department will now be able to service both sides of the Community.”
Glenn Jourdain was the Fire Prevention Officer for all tribal area had Founded The Couchiching Fire Department back in 1974. Couchiching First Nation has six Council members and has approximately 900 community members.
“For 20 years, these fire vehicles have helped us serve the City of Hamilton well, and I am proud that it will continue to be put to good use and help save lives in these First Nations Communities.” – David R. Cunliffe, Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department
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