Generator donated to Drayton fire hall

The Mapleton Fire/Rescue station here will be better prepared next time the power goes out, thanks to the donation of a used generator.

“The Drayton station of Mapleton Fire/Rescue has operated without a backup emergency system since 1982,” explained Fire Chief Rick Richardson in a report to Mapleton council at its May 14 meeting.

“A local farm operation has generously donated a used generator that they have outgrown. A generator would allow the Drayton station to have power to open the doors automatically, run the dispatch radio system, keep heat to the apparatus bay and kitchen, office and meeting room. The water-pumping system and operations during a long hydro outage can be maintained.”

Council authorized the fire service to proceed with installation of the donated generator, with refurbishing, electrical switching, electrical hookup and diesel tank installation completed at a maximum of $6,000 by Cal Deen Electric. The funds used for this installation will be drawn from the 10-year capital plan.

Council also authorized the construction of a building to house the generator at a cost of $3,400.