When fires occur in a field where there is a plethora of brush, it can get pretty intense. Fires such as these spread quickly and can easily get out of control. These types of fires can be difficult for those fighting them, due to the fact they must cover such a large area to battle the blaze. Thanks to community’s support, the Russellville Rural Fire Department has been able to recently purchase a uniquely designed truck that will aide firefighters in the fields.
This truck is the only one of its kind in the state of Kentucky. It has a 21 HP Darley Fire pump with an electric start. It has a 250 gallon water tank on the back and also has three ground sweep nozzles attached on the front with a remote control inside the cab. A firefighter can sit in the passenger seat and control the nozzles while riding down the road for road side fires..
“We would not have been able to purchased this truck is it hadn’t been for the donations we receive during our fundraisers,” said Rural Fire Chief Cheryl Allen. “We had to come up with 25 percent cash down to get the loan from the state Fire Commission for the truck. We were able to do this because we saved for a couple of years to make this purchase. There are lots of cakes and pies that have been baked and donations from our businesses here in town to have an auction sale to raise this money. I want the citizens in our community to know we are spending their money very wisely.”
The department makes spending decisions based on the needs of the community. They hold numerous fundraising events to fund the needed purchases to help make the community a safer place to live.
“During the warm months of the year we have several brush fires and our current truck, while still in service, is very old,” said Allen. “The Firefighters decided this purchase was necessary to protect our community. We are very proud of the new truck.”
Allen said four firefighters drove to Indiana to pick up the truck. This truck was designed by the firefighters themselves. She said the department loves that the truck has two seats mounted on the sides to make it safe for them while they are putting out ground fires. “They can ride instead of walking beside the truck,” said Allen. Each seat has its own attack line with a 100 foot hose reel attached on each side to use on foot if needed.
“We want to thank the supporters of the Russellville Rural Fire Department for making this purchase possible,” said Allen.
The truck loan will be for 10 years, however, Allen says they plan on paying it off in half the time so they can work on the next equipment purchase for the community, which will be a well designed Rescue truck.
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