Yellowknife (June 06/03) - The Dettah Fire Department got a new fire truck after their worn out 1964 truck finally broke down last summer.

Community residents joined members of the department's staff in a small ceremony June 2.

Fire Chief Peter Stiopu started things off with a firefighter prayer dedicated to four firefighters who lost their lives in Seattle in 1996.

"Our number one goal is to save lives and property," Stiopu said. "This truck will improve our rapid response."

He added that the truck will also improve the safety of Dettah's volunteers.

Finance Minister Joe Handley and MACA Minister Vince Steen were both presented with Dettah fire department caps for their support.

Handley praised the firefighters' dedication.

"The work (you do) is incredibly important in the community."

He added that the vehicle is "the most important piece of equipment we could have."

"We have a valuable tool that we didn't have before," he said. "It's a tool we can use to save lives."

Since getting the $120,000 truck on March 28, there has been an increased enthusiasm from volunteers.

The fire department currently has 12 members plus four additional youth, aged 14 and up.

They practise every two weeks and have already responded to calls with the vehicle.