2009


		Class of 84 Reunion

        

Regional Newspapers

Current News & Announcements

MOTT VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE AQUIRES NEW TRUCK
by Owen Blickensderfer

The Mott volunteer Fire Brigade has been familiarizing themselves with a new piece of equipment this past week. They recently took delivery of a new GMC 5500 with four wheel drive. The most noteworthy feature of this equipment is that it applies foam instead of plain water to a fire. The foam is non toxic shortly after application and can be used for nearly any type of fire. The foamant is a liquid. The truck is equipped with four wheel drive and holds 500 gallons of water. In addition to two fire hoses, a nozzle mounted on the front bumper can spray foam ahead of the truck. The driver aims the nozzle left, right, up and down with a joystick in the cabin.

The truck has been a long time coming. Ilene Hardmeyer helped to apply for the federal ?assistance to firefighter? grant two years ago. Ninety five percent of the cost for the truck came from the grant. If you remember, 2006 was the year in which fire crews across the state were responding to prairie fires daily. The need for this type of vehicle became painfully apparent. The four wheel drive feature of the truck reduces the likelihood that it will get stuck in soft spots. 500 gallons of water becomes more than 1500 gallons of compressed air foam. This means more bang for the buck when it comes to the amount of water that must be hauled to the fire. Several states already require fire departments to have at least one unit with foaming capability. The Mott department is already ahead of
the game. Last week Wednesday, the crew held an open house to demonstrate the foam technology and show off the truck. The front of the firehouse looked like it was covered in snow.

Next time the pagers announce a grass fire, The Mott volunteer Fire Brigade will be prepared to better serve the citizens of Hettinger County.

Mott Recognizes New Pilot

Terry Laufer of rural Regent has a new title. It's "Pilot" Terry Laufer from now on, no matter that he is still a student pilot. Mr. Laufer has joined the ranks of those who have ascended from the earth in a flying machine and safely brought it back to Terra firma in one piece, ALONE. In this regard he shares a common experience with the Wright brothers. Mr. Laufer's first solo flight took place on the evening of Monday, June 9 at the Mott Municipal Airport. People in the city of Mott were entirely unaware of what took place as the Piper Archer buzzed over the city at one thousand feet. Terry's instructor, Owen Blickensderfer (myself) waited with great anxiety beside the runway and took photos.

Terry says that flying is not cheap. So far it has cost him a remodeled basement, tires and a paint job for his wife's golf cart. Mr. Laufer has much practicing and work to prepare to take the tests for his Private Pilot certificate, but should have the ticket in his hand before the summer is done. He will not be able to carry passengers until he earns his private pilot's license.

Now you know why Terry wears sunglasses and swaggers a bit when he walks. That's him flying over your farm in the low-wing airplane.