A specialized fire protection unit has been delivered to the Sexsmith Fire Hall, enhancing the department’s ability to combat fires.

“As demand grows across our region, the County continues to invest in high levels of service for our own Regional Fire Service as well as for the departments we partner with,” said County Reeve Leanne Beaupre. “The County’s partnership with the Town of Sexsmith is uniquely suited to benefit both municipalities in support of safety and wellbeing across the area.”

The new water tender, selected by a committee in collaboration with the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service, is designed to transport water to the scene of a fire. Compared to other water tenders, this unit pumps water faster when responding to a call, and when required, can pull water from hydrants, water standpipes, and dugouts. The new addition will be the first water tender located at the Sexsmith Fire Department and is one of eight total tenders that Regional Fire Service and contract partners have in service.

“The Town of Sexsmith feels very fortunate to have the County of Grande Prairie locate a new water tender at the Sexsmith Fire Hall,” said Sexsmith Mayor Kate Potter. “The fire service in Sexsmith and area is greatly enhanced by a thriving partnership between the Town and the County, making it possible to provide a quality service to both Town and County residents.”

The Sexsmith Fire Department and the County Regional Fire Service have an agreement to respond to requests to assist with firefighting services within the other municipality as required. The Sexsmith department responds to calls for service beyond their municipal boundaries in exchange for funding and equipment from County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service. The County and Town also share the recently created District Fire Chief position. District Fire Chief Dale Widsten manages the day-to-day operations of the Sexsmith Fire Department and oversees the County’s Bezanson, La Glace and Teepee Creek fire stations.