Waukon Area Fire Protection District purchases new rescue vehicle

The Waukon Area Fire Protection District recently purchased a new off-road rescue utility vehicle to assist department volunteers in conducting rescues and performing other firefighting tasks in areas not easily accessible, such as in snow-covered areas or roadside ditches. The John Deere Gator XUV 620i features a track system, interchangeable with wheels, that allows for improved maneuverability and accessibility in the rural and off-road areas of Allamakee County, with a slide-in tank and pump unit also having been purchased to help in fighting grass and brush fires. The unit can be trailered to an incident scene and also includes a rescue sled (yellow item underneath the Gator) for transporting victims. A majority of the funding for the new unit came from funds raised at the annual Fireman's Ball held in November each year. The Waukon Area Fire Protection District wants to express its appreciation to community members for their generosity in supporting the Fireman's Ball and other fundraising efforts to make such a purchase possible to help the volunteers provide the best possible service to the area. Submitted photo.