ELY — The Ely Fire Department returned home last night with a new fire truck valued at approximately $675,000, and it didn’t cost local taxpayers a dime.
Fire Chief Dave Marshall and his team drove back from Chippewa Falls around 8 p.m. Wednesday with the department’s new mini pumper, which will serve as the first-out initial attack engine once it’s fully equipped and the department completes training.
The acquisition was made possible through an unsolicited estate donation from Louis Gornick, a former Ely firefighter from the 1950s. As part of his final wishes, Gornick designated a portion of his estate to benefit the Ely Fire Department.
“It was a surprise,” Marshall said. “We’ve received a check for $550,000 so far, and we expect another $100,000 or so after the first of the year.”
The new vehicle will replace the department’s 1995 Hummer, which has served faithfully for over 30 years but is reaching the end of its operational life. While the Hummer replacement had been on the city’s capital replacement list for some time, the department had postponed the purchase because the old vehicle was still functional.
“When this gift came along late last spring, it just seemed to be the right time,” Marshall explained. The timing proved fortuitous, allowing the department to upgrade its fleet without impacting the city budget.
The truck itself cost approximately $647,000, with an additional $25,000 needed for hoses and tools. The equipment costs were covered through a DNR grant and fundraising efforts by the fire relief association, including proceeds from pork chop and beer sales.
“Through the fundraising efforts of the relief association and a small grant from the DNR, we were able to equip the vehicle,” Marshall said. The multi-source funding approach ensured the truck would arrive fully operational and ready to protect the community.
Built on a Ford 550 chassis, the mini pumper is larger than its name suggests.
“I think it’s a bigger truck than a lot of people anticipated,” Marshall said. “But it feels like you’re driving a pickup truck.”
The designation as a “mini pumper” refers more to its versatility than its size. The vehicle features a fire-rated 1500 gallon-per-minute pump – comparable to full-size engines – carries over 300 gallons of water and includes both standard foam and compressed air foam system capabilities. These advanced firefighting features will enhance the department’s ability to respond to various emergency situations.
The new truck will provide reliable service for the next 25 to 30 years.
Marshall expressed deep gratitude for Gornick’s generosity.
“This is really a game changer for the Ely Fire Department. It’s just such a great benefit for the folks who live in Ely. We really want to thank Louis for doing this,” he said.
The truck will enter service once equipment installation and training are completed, providing the community with decades of reliable fire protection at no cost to taxpayers.