Another busy year for the Atchison Fire Department

Ending 2023 with 1,598 calls for service is another record in the number of incidents for the AFD. This is the busiest in the departments’ 144 years of existence, topping a busy year in 2022. Among the department’s accomplishments for 2023 a new pumper was purchased and placed in service. The new truck is a Ford 550 chassis with all the typical features that are found on a fire truck. Obviously, the quantity or size of equipment is not the same as the larger trucks but outfitted with mostly battery powered equipment the crucial equipment that takes up less space still packs the same punch as the larger trucks. The department also purchased new rescue equipment (Jaws of Life) to go along with the new truck. These tools are also battery powered with battery charging capabilities on board the new truck. Other purchases this year included replacement of half the firefighter boots worn when fighting fire. The other half of the inventory was budgeted for 2024.

New Firefighters all completed firefighter testing and have settled into their new positions. They anticipate 2024 to be busy again and the staff stays prepared to respond to all calls. The experienced personnel have been great mentors in creating a professional and well-trained department.

The 2023 Annual Report can be found by following this link, Annual Report