2018 ended up being the busiest year to date in the 130+ years of the departments existence. The Pioneers were dispatched 438 times during the year, an increase of 52 calls from 2017. The following is the breakdown of incidents for the year:

Automatic Fire Alarms – 68
Alarm Bells/CO Alarms – 14
Structure Fires – 46
- 9 First due working fires
- 5 Mutual aid working fires
Medical Calls – 57
- Cardiac Arrests – 35
- Pedestrian Accidents – 16
- Medical Assists – 6
Investigation Inside/Outside – 43
Accidents w/Injuries – 44
Accidents Reported w/Entrapment – 18
No Injury Accidents/Spill Controls – 17
Water Rescues – 28
Public Services – 17
Chief Investigations – 14
Brush/Trash/Unknown Fires – 15
Vehicle Fires – 7
Transfer Assignments – 9
Hazardous Materials Incident –

On top of a record number of dispatches, the members also attended over 2400 hours of training, both in-house and outside classes. Members also handled the day to day operations of the department and held multiple fundraisers throughout the year.

Also in April the department took delivery of the new Engine 15-1, a 2018 Pierce Enforcer, and placed it in service in July. The department also planned and spec’d out a new Ford F-550 squad which is currently in production at 911 Rapid Response. A new trailer was also ordered and received for the boats and UTV 15 from MH Eby and is still in the works.

Thanks to all of our members for a successful year, and thanks to the community and the municipalities for the continued support throughout the year!