EPHRATA-- Fire District 13 is fortunate enough to take delivery of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban thanks to the District being selected for its fifth consecutive Wildland Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.  The new command unit, only the third piece of apparatus purchased new in the history of the fire district, replaces the 16 year old 1991 Chevrolet Suburban.  The purchase is more like getting two rigs for one because the old Suburban will be used by firefighters at the racetrack, for training and as a support unit.

The new command unit received a striping package from Signs by Terri.  It also received an all LED lighting package, center console and GPS that was professionally installed by Emergency Vehicle Installation of Bremerton Washington.  This is important as the professional installation will increase the life of the command unit.  The LED lights are very bright adding excellent safety in responding to calls.  In addition the LED lights draw less amps and thus is less ware on the vehicle.  A sliding command console unit will be added to the back of the vehicle so that successful command operations including planning and firefighter accountability may exist. 

The total for the unit cost approximately $45,000.  Per the grant District 13 was required to pay for a portion of the unit.  This was paid for out of our small operating budget and at no additional cost to the district's tax payers.  This command unit will provide the district with a professional and practical command platform for many years.  This unit is utilized 24 hours a day as the duty officer must be ready to respond at any moment and coordinate resources from the scene.  Dist. 13 would like to thank the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for their assistance as the unit would not have been feasible otherwise.