Kyle Gunkel, left, takes the oath to become a firefighter with the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory Tuesday, Sept 17. The oath was administered by Township Trustee Chris Francis, shown on the left. Gunkel is the third generation in his family to join the department. Photo by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — After searching for 12 years, the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory has a ladder truck.

Dave Rensberger, assistant fire chief, reported the truck was purchased from LaGrange Fire Department with the 2008 truck being sold to Pierceton Fire Department. In the end, no budget funds were used.

Rensberger stated during the monthly meeting of the territory board Tuesday, Sept. 17, this is the first ever ladder truck for the department.

“We had been looking since 2012, so it’s the first in the system,” he said.

Firefighters have been taking the truck out to different locations and structures to see how it works.

“It’s better than any other (truck) we’ve had,” he said.

Jim Rhodes, board member, inquired about the amount of water it holds along with a few other questions.

Rensberger stated while the other truck held 2,000 gallons, the ladder truck holds 1,500 gallons. This will not be a problem as other trucks holding water will respond as well.

Jokingly, Lisa Strombeck stated the truck could be used to put up the lights on the town’s Christmas Tree. Chris Francis, township trustee, stated that can be arranged.

Francis elaborated on Rensberger’s comment that some work needed done on the truck. He explained the rear end can be re-chassised and items can be remounted.

It was noted a new ladder truck would cost $1.6 million to $1.8 million.

During other matters, it was noted one of the ambulances was sold for $50,000, which paid for the new chief’s vehicle.

“Everything washed out. The budget stays the same,” Francis said.

Francis also announced the ground work on the new station building will begin next week. The old structure has been removed.

During the fire territory run reports, it was noted there were 77 runs in August. While it was the slowest month for the department, it was noted the department is up by 100 runs from last year.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the swearing in of a third generation firefighter, Kyle Gunkel. Members of Gunkel’s family, as well as from the department, witnessed the monumental event.

Gunkel has completed probationary requirements to become a member of the department.