South Torch Lake Fire has added a new vehicle to their fleet. Meet 22Rehab1, a 2011 International/Thomas Bus. The “old school bus” has been converted into a Rehabilitation Unit. The unit will be used to provide an easily accessible area for firefighters to get out of the weather, to rest & recover from extended emergency scenes. The bus is heated to provide warmth in the winter, air conditioned to provide cooling in the summer. The unit provides a clean area for EMS to assess each firefighter before they return to work the emergency. The refrigerator is stocked with water & gatorade. There is a regular coffee maker, and a keurig to provide hot drinks. The unit has an inverter and a 6500 watt generator to provide power for all the add-ons. On the passenger side of the unit there is a motorized awning operated with a remote control. Folding chairs & tables are stored on the bus to be used under the awning. There is a charging station to charge the portable radios while the firefighter is in rehab. This unit is intended to be available to all 1st responder agencies in Antrim County along with Clearwater Twp FD and Kalkaska Twp FD (our MABAS partners).
The bus was donated by Dean Transportation in Traverse City. Money donors included Alden Firefighters Association, Torch Lake Beer Company, East Jordan Iron Works, Torch River Marine, Fabiano’s Torch River Party Store, Guy Dean Insurance, Parker Harvey PLC, Dewey Insurance Company, Central Lake Twp Fire & Rescue Auxillary, Alden Lumber Company, Mike & Jenny Lee, and Paul & Leslie Fabiano. Thank you for your contributions.
