Newsroom

Shakopee Tribe unveils first-of-its-kind fire truck in the country

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today unveiled a new fire truck that is the first of its kind in the country. The new vehicle is a lightweight ladder truck that houses combined EMS and fire response services, provides better ladder capabilities, and utilizes a compressed air foam system that is several times more effective in fighting fires than water alone.

Mdewakanton Public Safety (MPS) – the SMSC’s full-time, professional fire and ambulance department – will put the new ladder truck to use immediately.

“Our number one goal is to keep Community members, guests, and our neighbors safe,” said Greg Hayes, Director of Mdewakanton Public Safety. “This new ladder truck is a state-of-the-art vehicle that will help MPS meet that goal.”

MPS is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and responds to an average of 150-200 calls each month. In 2016 alone, it made approximately 200 mutual aid responses in Prior Lake, Shakopee, and other Scott County cities and townships through mutual aid agreements with local governments. MPS provides fire and emergency service assistance to them upon request in addition to serving SMSC members who live on the reservation and guests visiting Mystic Lake and Little Six casinos.

“Mdewakanton Public Safety is a true asset and partner to our fire and EMS departments,” said Prior Lake Fire Chief Rick Steinhaus. “By working together to respond to emergencies, we can be much more efficient and effective by providing aid more quickly. The new MPS ladder truck is a win-win for both of our communities.”

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top 10 philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.