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Shafer-Franconia Fire Dept. is excited to be able to be of assistance in river rescues and searches; now that it has some necessary equipment, including this 1650 70 hp jet Alumacraft. The rig is designed for use on rivers and Shafer-Franconia service territory covers about eight miles of the St. Croix.

The boat was previously utilized by the local DNR Conservation Officer, who got new equipment. Negotiations between the fire department’s safety officer Ed Kubicki and the DNR resulted in DNR donating the boat to the firefighters. There’s downward imaging sonar and various other water rescue and recovery response devices on board. Training in river response tactics for members of the Shafer-Franconia department members has already begun. Pictured above (not in order) are: Craig Nelson, Bob Nash (Asst. Chief), Ben Hansen (Truck Captain), John Linnerooth, Marcus Caitlin, Kubicki, and junior helper Zoey Nash.