Grant Volunteer Fire Dept. gets “new recruits”

For its annual hose testing, the Grant Fire Department enlisted a few new recruits from Perkins County High School to help Monday, June 12. Above, from left, Emma Klahn and Cooper Kroeker assist Grant Fire Department member Chasity Knoles in the hose testing, which is a requirement of the National Fire Protection Association as well as the Insurance Services Organization, according to Fire Chief Don Softley. The testing is done to make sure the hoses can hold up to and withstand the rigors of a significant fire event. Softely said the hoses are tested at 250 psi for 5 consecutive minutes, “which is larger pressure than the hose would sustain during a long fire event.” During testing, the members can see if the jackets are about to burst or couplings are about to separate, if hose gaskets are leaking, if connects (threads) are damaged, etc., he said. Softley said students were requested to help because of the low membership numbers for the department, with the Perkins County FFA stepping up to the task. “Their work and dedication was incredible and fantastic,” Softley said. “The FFA students are NOT afraid to work.” 

Photo by Becky Uehling