Snowmobile makes winter rescues easier
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A snowmobile has been added to the lineup of equipment available to emergency personnel, following the recent acquisition of a 2004 Skidoo Legend 1000 four-stroke by the Presque Isle Fire Department.
The machine was received just in time for snow season, with recent snowfall making it look like trails — both snowmobile and other recreational paths — will soon be open and ready for outdoor enthusiasts. But as more people seek enjoyment outside, the possibility of accidents increases; now rescuers will have the ability get to victims quicker.
“The snowmobile was purchased using various funds: $1,000 was raised during our convention, Jessica Chase-Smith donated $350 from her political campaign and $1,500 came from our volunteer staff, which will be paid back to the volunteers next year,” said Grant Spinney, the PIFD firefighter who worked to coordinate the purchase of the sled from owner Bob Blanchard.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
WINTER RESCUES will be easier for emergency personnel, following the Presque Isle Fire Department’s recent acquisition of a 2004 Skidoo Legend 1000. Pictured is firefighter Tony Robichaud showing off the snowmobile.
According to Spinney, Blanchard made the department a deal it couldn’t refuse.
“Bob sold it to us for $2,500. The value of the machine was $4,400, making it a $1,900 contribution on his part,” said Spinney.
Spinney said the Skidoo will be especially helpful in places like Aroostook State Park.
“The State Park has several trails. There’ve been accidents before where emergency personnel had to borrow sleds. We often brought the rescue toboggan to the scene, hoping someone would be there with a sled that had a hitch. Now we have our own,” said Spinney.
For the past five years, the PIFD had borrowed a snowmobile from Harry’s Motorsports for emergency use throughout the season. Now it has its own at no cost to taxpayers.
“It’s in mint condition. After the first of the year, we plan a combined fundraiser, updating our trading cards which were last done in 2008 and raising funds to pay back our volunteers. We’ve held off on replacing the cards due to position changes over the past couple years,” he said.
Spinney said when businesses sponsor the trading cards, their names will also be added to a plaque on the snowmobile trailer listing sponsors.
“Like all of my projects, there’s no cost to the city,” said Spinney.
