Since it was founded in 1997, FIST has operated without any form of municipal or taxpayer support. The expenses needed to operate #4757, as well as the cost of all the equipment the vehicle carries comes from donations and charges to insurance companies for copies of our reports.

Any donations to help keep our unit on the road would be greatly appreciated.

Since the beginning of 2005 the members of FIST realized that sooner or later something would have to be done with our current Mobile Investigation Unit. We were constantly having to add brake fluid and we began to see oil on the floor in the area normally associated with a failure of the rear main bearing. And then, history repeated itself again.

In mid-May the team became aware that a former type III ambulance owned by Union Fire-Rescue was about to become surplus. Inquiries were made into what was going to happen to the vehicle, and within a week, an agreement had been reached for the team to purchase the vehicle for $500.00. The truck was transfered to FIST on May 22, and almost immediately the conversion work began. And on the evening of June 3 the new vehicle responded on it's maiden voyage when the team was activated to a structure fire in Lake of the Four Seasons.

The new vehicle has sufficient exterior storage space to carry all the team's current equipment and supplies and still have plenty of room left over. The rear section of the vehicle was completely refurbished to allow witness interviews or team planning sessions in comfort and away from the elements.

A special nod of appreciation must be given to the following people who assisted in the conversion process:

Investigator Roy Adams - Graphic removal & detailing

Investigator Kelly Dziepak - Graphics removal

Investigator Al Jones - Design and interior remodeling

Investigator John Kepshire - Design and remodeling

SHFD Firefighter Brad Collette - New cabinets

Mr. Mark Fisher - New graphics package

SHFD Chief Doug Patton - Suppport and storage of units

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