As dry conditions continue to heighten the threat of wildfires, the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department has commissioned a new truck that will help protect the lives and property of folks in Donley County.
Fire Chief Jeremy Powell says the 10-ton Oshkosh M985 is being tested and is about ready to go into service.
“This is a one-of-a-kind rig,” Powell said. “It will be a big asset to get water where we couldn’t get it before.”
The 10-ton, eight-wheel drive 2006 truck with four-wheel steering is a former military vehicle that the CVFD obtained with a grant from the Texas Forest Service.
“We applied on April 28, 2016, and received the truck in February 2017,” Powell said.
The truck serves as a tanker, carrying 3,200 gallons, but it also can be used to fight fires as well and doesn’t not have to stay on improved roads, which sets it apart from the department’s semi-truck tanker.
“This is a multi-purpose truck we can use in town or in the county, and it has extreme off-road capabilities,” Powell said.
Volunteer firemen have spent numerous man-hours preparing the vehicle – painting the truck and installing the tank, pump, lights, and communications system. Powell said the department has spent about $30,000 of donated funds to equip the truck, including $23,000 for the tank, which was manufactured by Plasmac of Wellington. Signs Plus of Clarendon prepared the signage for the truck.
“We tested the pump two weeks ago, and we’re just putting the finishing touches on the truck now.”
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