The fire department in Richer has added a 2010 Toyota Tundra pickup truck to replace a one ton cube truck, that according to Fire Chief Paul Saindon has become obsolete.

Saindon says MPI wouldn't allow personnel to be carried in the back of the truck and it only had two seatbelts. “We still needed a truck to bring personnel and to pull the trailer for our swamp grass equipment so we had to upgrade, and fortunately the Council gave us a big enough budget so we could find a nice truck.”

Saindon says there was some talk about replacing or rebuilding a 1985 Rescue truck that was purchased by the department seven years ago, but after doing some research, the decision was made to make some upgrades instead. “It came with lower gearing than we would like for the highway, so we're going to gear up the differential so we can at least keep up with traffic. It feels a little silly when you have the lights and siren on and cars are passing you.”

The LED lights will also be upgraded from the old rotary style which Saindon says often stalled. He notes the truck does have some key equipment like the Cascade System to load air tanks on site, and a large diesel generator capable of powering the fire hall in case of an emergency.

Four new firefighters have also been added to the roster at Richer Fire which makes it an even 20. Saindon says that is a comfortable number for the department.

Saindon adds, the pumper truck was having trouble building up enough water pressure and seemed to be drawing some air, so the worn out shaft and bearings were rebuilt.

Aside from having the roof fixed from recent storm damage, Saindon says they have spent enough money for this year.