Redden added that the truck and other items totaling $95,000 (Jaws of Life, generator, etc.) were purchased with money from fundraising projects at no cost to taxpayers. The Deloraine Agricultural Society commissions the department to organize the demo derby during the annual Deloraine Fair.

“We anticipate more cars for the derby this year as we are already getting entries,” he stated.

The department is starting to fundraise again in order to finish off the truck with super single tires, which cost approximately $8,500. Redden says they have some project ideas in mind to reach this goal.

He also spoke about the mutual aid training site across from the water plant in Deloraine. Three years ago, Mutual Aid purchased three shipping containers, which were put together to simulate a residence. 

“There is a living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and stairs going up into a second floor and inside and outside doors. The structure works very well to provide our departments with various training scenarios,” said Redden.

Mutual Aid arranged a training exercise recently that included members from Deloraine, Boissevain, Elgin and Melita fire departments.

“We used a non-toxic smoke machine to pump smoke into all the rooms at the mock residence. A 120-pound “body” was placed in one of the rooms and the firefighters had to find it and bring it out,” said Redden.

A burn trailer is also at the training site. Flax straw is set on fire at one end, the members start the exercise from the other end of the trailer. It gives them the idea of the intensity of the heat and that being situated down on the floor is optimal.

Redden concluded that donations to the Deloraine Firemen’s Club have been instrumental along with fundraising for their special projects and purchases.

by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff