HMVFA fall update
HALL MOUNTAIN — The Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Association has received a new truck, equipment and large donation from the association’s auxiliary.
The Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Association Board has been talking about replacing one of its fire trucks at Hall 1. Bill Branson and Brad Lowther searched all over the U.S. for one that would fit the group’s budget.
Bill Branson found one in the state of Texas. After an inspection and going through all the mechanical checklists, officials realized the truck was the perfect fit for the department.
Branson negotiated a price $35,000 for the vehicle and the truck has received the HMVFA logo and has been added to the fleet.
“Through this purchase, due to the credit and the hard work of our board, we remain a debt free department,” said Justine Williams, president of the HMVFD Auxiliary. “This is another big accomplishment and goal achieved. A big ‘thank you’ to the board and those that searched for the right engine.”
After HMVFA asked for a thermal imaging camera, the Auxiliary met its fundraising goal and presented the new camera to Fire Chief Brad Lowther at the Sept. 24 appreciation potluck.
Williams said this is the second thermal imaging camera for the department, and allows HMVFA to have more tools to work the Eastport, Copeland and Porthill area.
“We are so fortunate to live in this area with so many businesses that offered their support. Please remember to shop locally first, as they really do support so many events in Bonners Ferry,” she said.
The winner of the Henry .30-.30 rifle was Nicolas Hanley, who is deployed as a Navy pilot. However, his father Jim Hanley was present at the potluck and accepted the rifle on Nicolas’ behalf.
John Callison was the winner of the Henry .22 Golden Boy rifle.
Auxiliary officials congratulated the two Henry Rifle winners and thanked them for supporting the fundraiser.
Auxiliary officials were also able to present the fire department with a check for $2,500 to cover the expenses of the five CPR, state-of-the-art, bluetooth mannequins the fire department purchased.
These five mannequins run between $30,000 and $35,000 and due to a family member retiring from CPR teaching, Brad and Laurie Lowther were able to get them at a reduced price.
The auxiliary was also busy providing and delivering lunches to the Hall Mountain Fire First responders as they continue to fight the Kootenai River Complex fire lines.
The Auxiliary thanked Eastport Good Grief, as they also supplied many delicious lunches for first responders and thanks to Ben and Kari Apo for organizing a food chain line to keep the meals coming.
“We are blessed and always grateful for the people and neighbors in our community that support our fundraising projects to help our all volunteer fire association,” Williams said.
