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Trimont council backs D.A.R.E. training, confirms fire officers and hires ambulance staff
Summary
Council approved the police chief attending D.A.R.E. training, confirmed 2025 fire officers, approved the release of one firefighter and hired an ambulance employee; members also discussed pump repairs and an estimated $400,000 ambulance replacement.
The Trimont City Council on Jan. 21 approved several public-safety measures, including police training, fire department staffing and an ambulance hire, while discussing equipment problems and the estimated cost of replacement apparatus.
During the police report the chief outlined school interest in a D.A.R.E. program targeting fifth-grade students; the chief has been coordinating with the county to establish an account for reimbursements. Council Member Ronald Shade moved and Justin Lubben seconded a motion to allow the chief to attend D.A.R.E. training; the motion passed 4-1, with Council Member Brian Krumwiede casting the lone no vote.
The council addressed several fire-department items. Members approved the release of firefighter David Nelson and confirmed the 2025 fire officers: Chief Kristian Melson; Assistant Chiefs Jake Ebeling and Nick Swanson; Secretary Dylan Paulson; and President Kevin Hilgendorf (all motions passed 5-0). Council heard that the pumper truck continues to have problems; the city has discussed remote diagnostics with vendor NCI but does not yet know the cost to run diagnostics or effect repairs. The council agreed to host ice-rescue training in Trimont and to delay expanding a Jr. Firefighter program until department policies and rules are better defined.
On ambulance matters, the council approved hiring Alysia Bolstad for the ambulance crew (5-0). Council members discussed the cost of a new ambulance, estimated at about $400,000, and noted the Trimont Firemen’s Relief will cover half of what remains on the Zoll device. No final procurement decision on a replacement ambulance was made at the meeting.
Council members directed department staff to notify neighboring communities that the city is temporarily short one pumper while repairs are addressed. The council did not vote on an ambulance purchase; staff will continue refining cost and funding details for future consideration.
