The Drumheller Fire Department took delivery of its latest addition to its fleet.
The department’s 2019 Pierce Ascendants Quint Aerial Platform Ladder/Pumper Truck arrived Friday afternoon, March 27. Fire Chief Bruce Wade is happy to see the apparatus arrive, and says they will have it in service very soon.
“It just got into town, so we will get some equipment on it, and hopefully some training on it this week,” said Wade.
The new “Quint” (five-function apparatus) is destined to soon replace the 1982 Superior Simone Snorkel Truck. This new apparatus has greater capabilities and versatility. Any firefighter with a Class 5 license and air brake (Q) endorsement can drive the new truck. It is easier to maneuver and is quicker to set up and takes less manpower. It also has tank and pump capabilities.
“It is set up so it is more or less foolproof. If we try to get it to do something it isn’t designed for, it won’t allow it so there are lots of safety features built into it,” said Wade. “It is a new, more efficient technology.”
This will be a first response vehicle, called upon for structure fires.
The town had been budgeting funds for the replacement truck for about four years. The truck came in at $1,316,841.

A lockdown at the Drumheller Institution has been lifted as an inmate who was exhibiting flu-like symptoms tested negative for COVID 19.
The Medium Security Unit was put on lockdown on Friday, March 27, as a precautionary measure after two inmates showed symptoms consistent with influenza.
After clinical assessment, one inmate was tested for COVID-19 at Drumheller Institution and the result is negative.
Symptomatic individuals are tested if they meet the public health criteria for testing. The local public health authority makes all decisions regarding swabbing. As part of protocols, inmates with symptoms are isolated from the general inmate population as a preventative measure.
At this time, there are no inmate cases of COVID-19 in federal institutions.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in its institutions, CSC continues to suspend visits to inmates, all temporary absences unless medically necessary, work releases for offenders, all inter-regional and international transfers of inmates.
CSC remains in close contact with its public health partners and continues to monitor the situation and engage with authorities.