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Huntington firefighters secure grant staff, approve truck repairs and buy extrication tool
Summary
Chief Eric Bronson reported a summer staffing grant and requested authority to repair the rescue truck up to $5,000; council approved. Later, the council approved purchase of an extrication tool with donated funds and discussed open-burn enforcement and public-safety outreach.
The Huntington Fire Department received council backing this year for staffing and equipment improvements amid rising call volumes.
Chief Eric Bronson told the council that the department secured the summer staffing grant used last year and that the grant helps recruit younger volunteers; he noted the volunteer force is strained as the community ages. Bronson requested permission to take the department rescue truck to Boise for diagnostics and authorize up to $5,000 for repairs without additional council approval; Ms. McKay’s motion carried 4‑0. Later in the year the chief reported that the department was averaging higher monthly call volumes and that a LUCAS automatic CPR device purchased previously had helped save a life.
With donated funds from corporate and community partners, the chief asked to buy an extrication tool and the council approved the purchase. The department and council also discussed tightening burn‑barrel rules and revoking permits for repeat violators after reports of burning prohibited materials; Chief Bronson warned of health and safety risks when black smoke and plastics are burned. The council asked the chief and recorder to develop possible ordinance or enforcement changes and outreach to the public about safe burning and trash service alternatives.
