Bonners Ferry gets fire truck valued at $100,000 for $7,500

Big Bird has landed at the Bonners Ferry Fire Department.

Nicknamed for the “Sesame Street” character, the 14-year-old fully equipped truck was purchased from Kootenai County for $7,500 and replaces a 1964 model, said fire chief Pat Warkentin. It is worth over $100,000. A new truck of this caliber could cost more than $300,000.

Warkentin said larger fire departments will sell equipment to departments in smaller communities that might not otherwise be able to afford newer equipment. Bonners Ferry worked on getting this rig for several months.

The rescue unit contains a 15-kilowatt generator. Big Bird also is outfitted with state-of-the-art rescue equipment including extrication tools for free people pinned in vehichles after crashes, even if the vehicle is down in a ravine.

The truck also contains a compressed air foam system, five-man cab with self-contained breathing apparatus seats and an air system capable of replenishing the air tanks for firemen on scene.  There is also a 29-ton air mattress that can lift heavy objects during rescue operations.

The truck has room to store and support heavy equipment and rescue devices, tools, air tanks, supplies and hand equipment.

With a little paint work provided by Riverside Auto, body work and the back bumper built by Mike Krejci, the sign and graphics by Mike Ashby and Rachel Figgins, and re-upholstering by Marie Sumpter, the truck has so far cost less than the $30,00 budgeted by the city.