Bradgate secures funds for 'new' fire truck

The city of Bradgate has a new (1981 model) fire truck after a fundraising campaign to collect $10,000. The fire department received many contributions, large and small that allowed the city to complete the purchase of a Ford LN900 Smeal pumper truck. Pro Cooperative partnered with Land O’Lakes (Pro Coop donated $1,000 and Land O’Lakes Foundation matched this with an additional $1,000. The city of Bradgate contributed $2,800. They also received many donations from the public and other businesses. “Each was greatly appreciated, whether it was $5 or $1,000. It all adds up to help us meet our goal of providing better service to our community,” Nancy Johansen, secretary-treasurer of the Bradgate Volunteer Fire Department, said. They were getting close to the goal when they received a phone call from a former Bradgate area resident. Jody and Mike Christianson now live in Montana and they still receive the Humboldt Independent Newspaper. After reading the article asking for support, they asked how much was left to raise. When learning they needed $1,138.48, the Christiansons said they would contribute the final $1,000. Mike is the son of former residents, John and Phyllis Christianson. Nicknamed “Big Brother,” the new (1981) firetruck rolled into town last week.