The Caulfield community got a boost to it’s fire-fighting ability over the weekend when a 1990 Ford fire engine arrived from Iowa.According to KYTV, the truck was purchased from a department in Iowa at a price of just $2,000. The engine was originally priced at $25,000.
Fire Chief Shannon Sisney says the truck is a “huge Christmas present with everything on it.”
In addition to the fire engine, the department also received hoses and ladders, along with 25 to 30 sets of turnout gear, all of which are expensive pieces of equipment, according to Sisney. The truck also included eight self-contained breathing apparatuses, with 20 to 30 spare bottles.
The additional items are a godsend, according to Captain Joey Hedrick of the Caulfield VFD. Hedrick says the value for the department to have gear for all members is something that they would not be able to afford, due to its small operating budget.
KYTV reports Caulfield was one of several departments that responded to two fires on Christmas morning in Ozark County.
The addition of a third truck greatly improves the department’s coverage.
Sisney says “If we’d had Bakersfield and Dora fires at the same exact time, and they would’ve needed help, we would’ve sent both our trucks to them. We would have had no coverage here then.”
The new truck is currently being prepared for duty with new LED lights and graphics, along with some testing of the equipment. The engine is expected to make it’s first call in 2020.
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