The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company recently took delivery of a new Argo. The 8-wheeled amphibious vehicle is a 2022 Aurora 950 SX Responder.

The unit is new, but a leftover from the '22 line. The benefit of buying a leftover was the fact that the fire company saved a considerable amount of money while still getting all of the benefits of the 2024 model. Powered by a 40hp Briggs and Stratton air-cooled motor, it is an improvement over the old Argo with a 20hp liquid-cooled motor. It also has a removable Stokes basket bracket plus many other upgrades.

The all-terrain vehicle also has, on order, a 75-gal. skid unit with a 60 GPM (gallons per minute) for brush fires. The BKFC 2005 Argo will remain in service for approximately the next 6-8 weeks while members train on the new one and have it outfitted with emergency lights, scene lights, and a mobile fire radio. The tracks on the old Argo are compatible with the new one which gives it the capability to travel in deep snow. With the tracks removed, the unit can then be used year-round for different types of incidents.

Once the new Argo is ready for service, the old Argo will be sold.

Additionally, the Walleye Challenge scheduled for Saturday, February 17th had to be canceled due to conditions on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Even though the ice was too thin to safely hold the event, it was assumed that some would still go out on the lake, so the Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company was on standby and used the opportunity for a training with GPS, knots, and the new Argo.

12 BKFC members, 2 Berkshire Volunteer Fire Department members, Lake Valley EMS, Fulton County Emergency Management, Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, Fulton County Undersheriff, New York State Police, and New York State Environmental Conservation participated.

Broadalbin was on standby at the Sacandaga Boating Club from 8am-4pm.