The New Bothwell Fire Department will be getting a new rescue truck. Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says it will replace their unit that is nearing twenty years of age.

According to Wiebe, rescue trucks normally last between 20 and 25 years. He notes their existing truck was built in the late 1990's and safety requirements have changed since then. Though it is still legal to drive, Wiebe says it has its limitations.

(Current fire rescue truck in New Bothwell)"It's basically an equipment carrier at this point," explains Wiebe. "We need it to be a rescue, we need it to carry personnel in the back."

Wiebe says the new truck will be built to the latest safety standards.

The rescue unit is expected to cost between $375,000 and $380,000. The work has yet to be tendered.

Wiebe says he hopes to see it in use within about a year, though it could be sooner. He says about a year ago they took possession of a new rescue unit in Grunthal. The expected build time was 12 months but Wiebe says it only took 9 months.

"We're hoping to do much the same with this one," he says.

Wiebe says he's not sure what will happen with the existing truck, once the new rescue unit arrives. Options could include selling or repurposing it.

Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover made the decision Wednesday morning to approve the purchase of this truck. Wiebe says they have a very supportive council that is always willing to supply any resources needed to perform their work properly.