Former Fire Chief’s Widow Christens New Redlands, Calif., Ladder Truck

FORMER REDLANDS FIRE CHIEF’S WIDOW CHRISTENS LADDER TRUCK
Redlands, Calif.–More than 150 people gathered last week to celebrate the arrival of the Redlands Fire Department’s new ladder truck, and to thank residents who contributed to a fund to help pay for it.

The highlight of the reception at Fire Station 1 came when Jean Mills, widow of former Redlands Fire Chief Ray Mills, christened the truck by breaking a wine bottle filled with water on the front bumper, city spokesman Carl Baker said.

The ceremony included the reading of names of some of the donors and the unveiling of plaques recognizing their contributions.

The Ladder Truck Fund was formed after the city learned in December 2011 that it had won a $636,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 2010 Assistance to Firefighter’s program to purchase a new truck. The catch was that the city had to contribute $160,000 in matching funds, but didn’t have the money to do so.

Fire Chief Jeff Frazier promised that the fire department would conduct a fundraising campaign, and by October they had reached the basic goal of $160,000. The fundraising committee went on to raise another $40,000 to equip the truck, a 2011 Pierce.

The firefighters’ fundraising events culminated with a sold-out Firefighters Ball at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands.