FLOYD COUNTY, July 6, 2013 – The Nora Springs Fire Department recently upgraded their #464 pumper truck using funds provided by a grant from the Floyd County Community Foundation (FCCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. By modifying and installing a used chassis onto the truck, the fire department was able to add a second drop tank capable of holding 2,500 gallons of water. This tank, along with the original tank which holds 2,000 gallons of water, has more than doubled the water volume capacity of the truck. When fighting a fire, the firefighters use the two drop tanks side by side at the site of the fire, making it possible for the pumper truck to leave and get a new supply of water. The new drop tank is made with lightweight aluminum so that only two people are needed to lift it down from the truck. In addition to the remodeling of the chassis and installation of the second drop tank, the FCCF grant will provide for purchase of new grill lights for the truck.
The Nora Springs Fire Department is maintained by 25 volunteer firemen who manage the department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Of the 25 firemen, eight are first responders. The fire department is responsible for covering areas in Floyd, Cerro Gordo, and Mitchell counties. To keep up on the latest firefighting techniques, training sessions are held twice a month. The Nora Springs fire station has a number of trucks, including two pumper trucks, one rescue vehicle, and two grass units for fighting grass fires.
Firefighters Dewey Koch and Bob Willsher commented on the willingness of the volunteer firefighters to be on call. “Any of the firefighters in the area who receive the call respond as soon as possible. We are lucky to have so many capable volunteers who are ready to help their neighbors at any time of the day or night.”
