Since 1978, East Taylor Volunteer Fire Company has relied on the same modified pickup truck to battle brush fires and other blazes, a fire official said, TribDem.com reported.
Such trucks are designed and equipped to allow responders to get to fire scenes faster than larger apparatus, and to start fighting flames as soon as possible. But after 44 years, the company’s truck can’t match up to modern models, according to the report.
That will change though, even if it won’t be immediate.
The fire department was one of seven across the 13th Congressional District notified that federal funding is flowing in to replace antiquated apparatus and gear, the report said.
East Taylor is receiving more than $261,000 to add a new mini-pumper Quick Attack truck, while nearby Cover Hill received funds to purchase new gear to protect them on scene, the report said.
A new model will enable crews to carry more gear, valuable lighting for nighttime emergencies and bolster the truck’s pumping force to 750 gallons per minute, according to the report.
