Fire Chief Bob Ursu presented an update to Beiseker councillors on the Village’s fire department at the Jan. 14 council meeting.
Ursu told council the fire engine is now seeping around welds that were recently done to the pump. Though the pump still works, Ursu warned the welds will open up again and this will cause the truck to fail certification.
Council discussed options to fix the seeping but said the repair would involve removing the pump with a crane, which would be a long and expensive process.
CAO Jo Lambert explained to council what the certification of the fire engine means for the Village, noting that it is all for insurance and liability. She said the certification informs the insurance company of a fire rating for the engine that would help establish liability if there was an issue with the equipment during a fire.
She said Beiseker already has the lowest fire rating due to the size of the village and fire department, so the lack of certification would not have much of an impact and would not increase insurance costs.
Lambert also told council some municipalities have their engine certified only once every three years, but Beiseker is currently certified each year.
Ursu said the fire department would test the engine during the next practice and report back to council on what pressure from the pump does to the welds.
Mayor Ray Courtman suggested council wait for the report from Ursu before deciding on a course of action.
Council agreed with this suggested route of action as the truck remains operational.
Ursu also reported all but a few Beiseker firefighters have qualified for the Rocky View County Fire Services (RVCFS). This qualification enables the Beiseker department to respond to emergency situations throughout the county.
Those who have not been accepted into RVCFS are waiting on paperwork and background checks.
He noted that one junior firefighter would not be accepted because he is less than 18 years old but noted that the individual would continue with Beiseker certification and will apply with RVCFS when he comes of age.
Courtman gave council’s compliments to the firefighters who received certification with the RVCFS.
Upon the recommendation of Ursu, Councillor Warren Wise made the motion to appoint Jim Fox to Deputy Fire Chief. The motion was passed unanimously.
