The Municipality of Cumberland continues to invest in its fire departments to better protect local communities.
The Parrsboro Fire Department has received a new 2026 F-550 walk-around rescue truck from the Municipality. The truck was built by Fort Garry Fire Trucks in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It includes slide-out trays on both sides, making it easier for firefighters to access equipment during emergencies.
The new truck replaces a 1994 Freightliner rescue vehicle.
“This new truck is very important to our department,” said Fire Chief Allan Bennett. “It replaces an older vehicle that served us well. The new truck is smaller and easier to drive on narrow streets and in tight spaces.”
Parrsboro Fire Department Chief Allan Bennett accepts the keys to a 2026 F 550 12’ walk around rescue truck from Municipality of Cumberland Manager of Fire Services Kendell Spence.
The Municipality ordered the truck last June. It is part of ongoing investments in local fire services.
Last fall, the Tidnish Bridge Volunteer Fire Department received a new 2024 Ford F-550 rescue vehicle. The four-door, four-wheel-drive truck has improved the department’s ability to respond to emergencies along the Northumberland Strait.
District 8 Councillor Marchel Strong welcomed the new vehicle.
“As a municipality, we are working hard to replace old equipment,” she said. “We have purchased several new fire trucks, with more coming in the future. Six trucks have been bought in the last two and a half years, and two more are on the way.”
In addition to the trucks in Parrsboro and Tidnish Bridge, the Pugwash Fire Department is expected to receive a new pumper truck this summer. Springhill will receive a new pumper tanker truck in April 2027. The total cost of the Parrsboro truck and the two upcoming vehicles is just under $2 million.
Mayor Rod Gilroy said the Municipality is committed to supporting its fire departments.
“We are very thankful for the volunteers in our 15 rural fire departments,” said Gilroy. “They are often the first to respond to fires and medical emergencies. Their work is very important, and we are proud to support them.”
Over the past year, the Municipality delivered a new fire truck to the Wallace Fire Department and opened a new fire station in Springhill. It also invested in breathing equipment, radios, hoses, protective gear, and other safety equipment.
Last month, municipal council began planning a new fire station in the River Hebert fire district. Council has asked staff to prepare plans for the design and construction of the building.
The Municipality of Cumberland operates 15 fire departments: Advocate, River Hebert, FPW, Parrsboro, Southampton, Springhill, Collingwood, Truemanville, Tidnish, Shinimicas, Leicester, Pugwash, Wallace, Wentworth, and Westchester.
The new rescue truck is equipped with slide out trays which can be operated from the driver’s side and passenger side. It replaces a 1994 Freightliner rescue truck.