Kensett pumped-up by WCDA Grant

After ten years of fundraising and community support, the Kensett Fire Department will finally be able to make a vital addition to their fire-fighting fleet, thanks to the addition of funds provided by a Worth County Development Authority grant.

When grant recipients were announced last week, the 16-member Kensett Fire Department was awarded the largest grant amount, totaling $74,000 for the purchase of a new pumper truck. That money will allow the KFD to make a purchase that has been in the works for nearly a decade.

The department's existing pumper truck has been in use since 1977. With 30 years being the standard expiration date for such equipment, at least according to insurance providers and the National Fire Protection Association, fire department members knew that they would need to buy a new truck, with pumper trucks usually being kept in service until they've outlived their usefulness. They knew that raising the funds to do so could be a lengthy process. So they began the process that they knew could take at least the 10 years that it has.

In that time the KFD members have raised funds through their annual open houses and soup suppers and through a raffle for a four-wheeler. That four-wheeler was donated back to the fire department by the winner and sold with money, adding a big boost to fundraising efforts. They have also tried to apply for numerous other grants, including annual federal emergency funds. No government grants have been awarded to the department.

When the fundraising efforts first began a pumper truck would have cost the department less than $100,000. A similar truck today cost the department $169,000, before adding any extra equipment. With the recent WCDA grant, a $10,000 grant from the Hanson Foundation and the fundraising support of the community, the KFD will be able to meet that cost.

While $85,000 in funding support is a clear enough indicator of how important the local fire department is for the city of Kensett, the grant application submitted to the WCDA leaves no doubt about the level of community support for the purchase. Included with application materials were letters of support from all of Kensett's numerous community groups, who decided to forego seeking any funding during the first round of grants in order to fully support their fire department.

The red truck will store 1,000 gallons, compared to the 750-gallon capacity of the 1977 truck. The new truck will pump 1,200 gallons per minute and includes a foaming system built in. The fire department currently has to add an accessory for foaming capability.

The new truck features more storage than the previous truck as well, thanks to ladder storage on top of the vehicle. Pump controls are also on top, meaning easier access and more room for storage on both sides.

The culmination of the process of purchasing a pumper truck is a success on its own for the department, finally being able to make the purchase means that money raised during annual events can now be dedicated to purchasing and replacing outdated and worn equipment and fire clothing. Those necessary purchases have been set aside while funds were raised for the new truck.

The Kensett Fire Department's dedication to the safety of the city of Kensett and its cooperative efforts with other Worth County fire departments and emergency responders make their grant a perfect example of the kind of community support and community growth that the WCDA grants are intended to reflect. "We're looking forward to the new truck and how it will improve Worth County," said WCDA executive director Kim Miller.

In this season of thanks and giving, the community of Kensett is a clear demonstration of both holiday sentiments, with its clear appreciation of its community fire department and the culmination of giving, both from the community and area grants, that will lead to the gift of a bright red fire truck for the new year.