Old Smoky Gets a Friend Happy Holidays..and Beyond

“OH BOY! That’s mine!” Randy in the classic A Christmas Story, finding a fire truck under the tree.

Happy Holidays from all of us at CRT. As we embrace the new year, let’s take a moment to think about the holiday, and going forward. What do the holidays mean to you? Snow, great food, family, safety, and the dreams of a Christmas train, or perhaps a gleaming fire engine with snow dusting its hood? Newly appointed Prospect Fire Chief Lyle Neville said it was like Christmas in October when the type 6 wild-land fire engine was delivered. Yes, Prospect Fire Department got a new fire truck, and in many ways is a perfect example of community and volunteers in action.

Prospect Rural Fire Protection District itself is a pioneer in fire safety. The district was established in 1953. The area is located less than a mile from the High Cascades Ranger Station and twenty miles from Crater Lake National Park. But, bottom line: All told, the Prospect rural fire district survives on just over $110,000 in property taxes each year. With those funds going largely to maintenance of an ailing and mostly ancient flee— in addition to basic expenses and stipends for district administration— not much is left. Through many

collaborations, Prospect got a Christmas gift. “We are showing the community that we are doing the best we can,” says Neville. This is one great way of proving that. The process was a bit difficult from the funding side, but never from the commitment of the community. Says Neville, “I always try to give credit to previous Chief Mike Traut, who applied for and managed the grant that funded the new truck and more.  It included funds for training and additional tools and equipment that has outfitted the new brush truck nicely. “

He continues: “This weekend the truck will provide transportation for four of our volunteers to Firefighter 1 academy (offered locally by RITA-Rogue Interagency Training Association)  in Ruch. Last month a DPSST representative fromthe Rogue Valley visited Prospect and provided Driver Training for our volunteers as well.  RITA and DPSST make training affordable locally so that we can continue to operate safely and effectively as we protect our community.” This new engine enables Prospect to get to areas that were previously inaccessible, says Neville. “It’s flexible, it’s anywhere we want to go,” he says, in reference to older rigs that could only go up and down the hills. He says the new engine was in fine form five days after delivery, when it was used at the Mill Creek Fire in Prospect. How cool is that?

When we say that this new engine will be the leader of an ailing fleet, it’s true. The department has some converted pickups that look like extras from Mad Max. Oh, and Smoky? Perhaps the oldest — and certainly holding the trophy for most personality — “Old Smoky” rounds out the Prospect collection. Best known for the plumes of smoke that accompany its engine being turned over, the 1968 six-wheel drive, five-ton military brush truck has failing brakes, bad exhaust and could use a fuel injection revamp. This new rig is going to be great company for Smoky. And here’s to the holidays, and gifts that keep on giving. Rural fire stations are

essential to any community. As we reflect on the Prospect Fire Department and the Holidays, perhaps the most important connection is between Santa, the very embodiment of childhood joy, and firefighters, whose lifesaving work sometimes leaves them to rescue and comfort children in their most terrified and vulnerable

hours.

It is hopefully comforting to you and your loved ones to hear a siren wail in the distance or see an engine round a corner racing to save lives, limbs or homes. It is true that hope and help resides upon that truck

and every member of its crew. Indeed, the Prospect Fire Department speaks to the best of holidays: Safety, community, and a giving spirit.

Happy Holidays to you all, and to safety and comfort in the coming year!