Tribe's arsenal of fire equipment helps neighbors
How cool is this?
Casino profits allow the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux to protect themselves as well as other south-metro cities. Tribal officials say it's part of a Sioux culture of giving.
More than 20 years ago, the tribe barely had money for roads, much less brand-new fire equipment. The financial success of Mystic Lake Casino has allowed tribal officials to start a fire department with 30 part-time and full-time employees and 15 volunteers. They also have three ambulances and three fire trucks, including an 11-story aerial truck, that is used on the 2,800 acre reservation as well as in surrounding south-metro cities.
