Clearwater Fire and Rescue plans annual barbecue

An annual barbecue in Clearwater will have special significance this year.

Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department will hots its annual meal, Sunday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the fire hall.

Dine in, carry out or drive thru service will be available. To place an order for pick up, call 402-485-2451 between 5 and 8 p.m., that day.

Fire Chief Steve Hankla said the department received a $150,000 Rural ambulance Replacement Grant, designed to replace aging ambulance fleets across the state.

Grant funds will be applied to the purchase of a new Road Rescue ambulance, tentatively scheduled to arrive in early 2025.

"We could possibly receive it sooner if the plant runs two assembly lines," Hankla said.

The price tag for the new ambulance tallies approximately $300,000.

Proceeds from the barbecue will be applied toward the ambulance purchase. Clearwater Chamber of Commerce has also earmarked $50,000 for the project.

"This community has always been generous," Hankla said.

The current ambulance in service is a 1996 model. The current backup ambulance will be sold, according to Hankla.

The department also received a $50,000 Emergency Medical Services Equipment Grant toward the purchase of another power cot.