Fire truck accident under investigation

FERRIS – An incident Sunday, Sept. 11 involving a city fire truck is currently under investigation. 

“Yes, there was a 9/11 ceremony last night [Sunday, Sept.11] and one [councilman] was driving and backed into another truck,” said City Manager Eric Strong.

Councilman Gary Ross decided to take a truck out for the annual 9/11 ceremony when his “foot slipped” causing him to hit another vehicle.

“My foot slipped off the brake and hit the bumper of another truck,” said Ross.

“It was simply an accident, my fault and Dallas County took a report.”

A request for accident documentation from the Ferris Police Department hasn’t been returned as of press time. 

Ross made a statement earlier this summer at a council meeting about not caring if a fire truck was insured or not, he would just “take it.”

It’s undetermined if Ross had permission from Fire Chief Eddie Duran or proper licensing to drive the vehicle at this time.

Requests for comment from Duran have been unreturned. 

“Yes, I had permission and I am not aware of needing any special licensing,” said Ross.

Ross did not disclose who gave him permission to drive. 

According to a local fire chief, firemen are required to have a “Class B” license but, volunteer department’s are legally exempt and it’s up to the chief to decide on his men’s safety.