Proctor Journal

The Proctor Fire Department has put out fires and saved lives for years. They have worked hard during the past 30 months to update equipment and gear. They have a record they are proud of, and they want to keep it that way.

The one piece of equipment urgently needed is a Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life, JOL). “It’s at the top of our wish list,” Fire Chief John Benson said.

The Department is seeking donations toward the purchase of one.

“We could have used one a half-dozen times since the Proctor First Responders were formed,” Benson stated. “With two major thoroughfares, I-35 and Hwy.2, it is a critical piece of equipment.”

JOL are used to quickly extricate people trapped inside vehicles following an accident.

The Department would like to buy one, but the device costs about $20,000. However, the Department doesn’t have the money, the council hasn’t budgeted for it, and the firefighters are “burnt out” from having fundraisers.

“Our First Responders and Firefighters are getting close to responding to 300 calls a year,” Benson revealed.

“Our goal is to be on a schedule to replace items in mid-life, when they have value, instead of at the end of their life,” explained Benson.

“What’s a life worth,” Benson asked rhetorically. “We never want to find out and we don’t want to be put in a position to explain why we don’t have one.”