Wantage committee OKs funds for fire trucks

WANTAGE — The Wantage Committee unanimously approved $64,000 for two command vehicles to be used by the Wantage Fire Department and First Aid Squad on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Also, the Wantage Fire Chief Larry Bono Jr. and Minisink Hose Company Fire Chief Jason Dunn of New York answered questions and updated the committee.

Bono explained that the two Ford Expeditions have special features, services, and are not available to the general public. They will be purchased at Route 23 Ford through the Morris County Co-op.

Committeeman Jon Morris announced that Bono submitted draft specs for a new Wantage fire truck.

Dunn told the committee that fire calls from New York to Wantage are above average. So far this year, they have had 118 calls.

He also said that recently the Minisink Co. has added eight new firefighters and improved their grade to Class III. Dunn was pleased with his company because now they are one of 3,056 Class III groups nationwide.

Bono later explained that Wantage Township is the only place in the state where New York fire fighters cross the NY/NJ border for calls in New Jersey. Wantage has had a written agreement with Unionville, N.Y., since 1955, in order to protect Wantage's large territory.

The agreement was not easy, because the fire departments had to jump many hurdles in order to cross state lines and iron out interstate insurance issues.

In addition, Wantage Township has a contract with Sussex Fire Department for added safety.