The Ellis County Press: Palmer displays new fire vehicle

Palmer displays new fire vehicle
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Editor on 10/25/2007 00:00:00


Mark Varsel
_Ellis County Press_
PALMER - Palmer Fire Chief Rick McElhaney and Assistant Fire Chief Lloyd Higdon
proudly display the department's newest fire vehicle.
The Ford E-450 Super Duty Pick-Up was acquired with Fire District #9 funds.
Those funds are assessed annually, as part of the district property taxes,
against the appraised value of property in the district.
Approximately $32,000 in fire district funds were used to purchase the vehicle
chassis.
Higdon said to save money, the gear box was transferred from a retired vehicle
and refurbished by the fire crew.
The Fire and Rescue truck is used as a 'first responder,' responding with East
Texas Medical Center EMS ambulance units.
The truck will be used to carry back boards, vent fans, air bags and the 'jaws
of life.'
Eventually, the truck will be outfitted with a skid allowing it to carry
additional water to fire scenes.
According to Chief McElhaney, 'With the proper care we can expect to see at
least 10 years of useful service out of this vehicle.
'The vehicle it replaced was originally purchased in the seventies.'