Homer Fire Dedicates New Truck to Michael Keegan

Yesterday was a particularly special day for the members of the Homer Fire Department as they were able to show the community their brand new Rescue 2 Truck. The new truck replaces the fire department’s 1999 Ford Excursion Rescue 2.

It was even more special as Homer Fire Chief Jay Riley was able to announce the dedication of the brand new truck to firefighter and EMT, Mike Keegan. Keegan has served with the fire department for 50 years and has served in numerous roles, including Assistant Chief to the Homer Fire Department.

Keegan was one of the founding members of the department’s rescue squad. The squad brought improved medical response capabilities to the fire district. He was also instrumental in the process to replace the 1999 Rescue 2 vehicle with the new one including visiting Stonewall who built the truck to ensure it was up to the department’s specifications.

The new truck is a utility body style of apparatus for the Homer Fire Department, Chief Riley said during the dedication ceremony. The truck will now be able to serve primarily as the rescue truck, but can be dispatched to storm related calls. An open bed in the rear will also allow the department to store equipment that requires decontamination from calls without putting firefighters at risk.

“Cancers in fire service are huge at this point right now. So [the truck] is going to be for throwing dirty gear in the back of the truck; dirty hoses, things like that. So we’re shepherding in a new era of fire service.” Homer Fire Chief Jay Riley said during the dedication.

The new truck also has easier access to equipment for firefighters with storage on both sides of the rear. Stonewell Bodies in Genoa was the company that built the remainder of the truck including the rear, lights, and sirens.