MASON CITY – Santa came early to the Mason City Fire Department this year.
Through the generosity of the Iowa Grand Lodge of the International Order of Odd Fellows, Mason City Fire got a present that has been on its list for a very long time. It has taken the dedication and work of three Fire Chiefs to get a new 6×6 Polaris Ranger with a FireLite transport box deliver to the Mason City Fire Department. Retired Fire Chief Bob Platts started working on this project with IOOF last year before he left. Interim Fire Chief Doug Janssen received the news that IOOF would be purchasing the Ranger this past fall. And it was Fire Chief Al Dyer, who had the pleasure of accepting the check at the first November City Council meeting.
The International Order of Odd Fellows promotes philanthropy and charity based on friendship, love and truth. “We believe that we can really make a difference in people’s lives by working in our communities,” reports Scott Helgeson the IOOF Grand Lodge’s Deputy Grand Master. This gift will be there to help the Mason City Fire Department help the citizens in parts of four counties in north central Iowa.
“This new off-road 6×6 Ranger outfitted with the ability to transport patients and put out small field fires means firefighters can go almost anywhere now,” according to once again Deputy Chief Janssen. The Department has been working on getting the new Ranger ready to put into service. There will also be some time spent on training everyone before it actually becomes a part of the Department’s emergency response.
“However, we have received an emergency request from a very important person to use the Ranger next Monday,” reports Fire Chief Al Dyer. Santa’s reindeer always have the week before Christmas off to rest up for their big day. The Mason City Fire Department will be helping out Santa and Mrs Claus by delivering them to the IOOF Home and Community Therapy Center on 19th St for the residents’ Christmas party on Monday, December 19 at 2:00 p.m. “I’m used to very special travel rides, but the Mason City Fire Department helping me out so close to Christmas is extra special,” reports Santa Claus. “We can’t wait to see how excited the residents are going to be to see the Mason City Fire Department delivering Santa and Mrs Claus for their holiday party,” said the IOOF Home Administrator Deb Haugen.
