The Knappa Fire District New Truck

New fire engine sparks excitement for Knappa firefighters
Public invited to see new truck, learn about department July 13

By KARA HANSEN
The Daily Astorian

Knappa firefighters are putting the finishing touches on a shiny new

Knappa Fire Chief Paul Olheiser, left, and volunteer firefighter Dallas Oja show off the department’s new $256,000 fire engine that replaces the 30-year-old rig.
ALEX PAJUNAS — The Daily Astorian

fire engine.

The public can come see the truck and learn about Knappa's fire department at an open house July 13.

Funded by a $260,000 bond measure approved by voters in 2006, the new truck replaces a 30-year-old rig that had racked up costly repairs with age, said Knappa Fire Chief Paul Olheiser. The new International chassis cost about $256,000, he said, and its body was built by Hillsboro-based H&W Emergency Vehicles.

Personnel have been working to install necessary equipment since the fire engine arrived in early June.

While it's not yet in service, firefighters are looking forward to the upgrade, Olheiser said.

Among the truck's benefits is newer technology: "It's all computerized," he said. A bigger, diesel engine provides fuel efficiency and makes operations "more economical," he added. Five people fit inside the cab, compared to three or fewer in the old truck.

And, Olheiser said, "The other one is just worn out."

A five-year flex bond allowed the special district to get money up front, then pay it back as funding comes in from property taxes.

Olheiser said many people in the area already are aware of the fire department, because of its role as a year-round pillar of the community east of Astoria. The Knappa-Svensen-Burnside Rural Fire District, also known as Knappa Rescue, is staffed almost entirely by volunteers.

An open house July 13 will allow the public to learn more about the district and see what their property taxes help pay for.

"We want the community to come in and see the vehicle, to see what they paid for," Olheiser said. "And maybe also to pick up some recruits."