A combination of church funds and community donations has allowed the Houlka Volunteer Fire Department to buy and outfit a used fire truck from Natchez Trace EPA, reports djournal.com.

The apparatus, a 2006 Dodge 2500 grass fire/rescue truck, has been in service for a few months and has seen steady action, officials say.

Last year an anonymous local church agreed to put $5,000 toward the purchase if the community would match it. Other local churches and businesses then raised an additional $7,500, and $2,300 more came from fundraisers and donations, according to the report.

The truck replaced a 1986 U. S. Forest Service apparatus, to which it will be returned.

Natchez Trace EPA was originally going to auction off the truck, but one department member who also works there was able to arrange the sale of the vehicle to the department for $1,000; the rest of the funds were used for equipment and such, the report notes.

With all the outfitting, the apparatus is able to go on fire and medical calls.

Lowndes County, Georgia: On Friday, Lowndes County Fire Rescue (LCFR) unveiled its new drafting pit during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at LCFR headquarters, the pit was designed to direct water discharged from the fire truck back into the pit. This feature allows for long periods of pumping without wasting water or creating runoff problems, which reduces environmental impact. The pit holds approximately 40,000 gallons of water.

The new drafting pit’s primary use will be for testing fire engines during annually required intervals and following any pump repairs. It also allows fire apparatus operators to train on getting water from sources other than hydrants such as lakes, ponds, or streams. It will also support training operations on Lowndes County Fire Rescue’s training facility during live burns and training courses. In addition, the pit will serve as an additional supporting water source for firefighting activities in the areas surrounding LCFR headquarters.

According to Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes, this addition will serve a multi-purpose role in providing needed maintenance, training, and firefighting capabilities. “Our dedicated personnel are always training to work and working to train.  This new resource will enhance our fire department’s efforts to provide the best services for our County’s citizens.”

This project was completed as a part of SPLOST VII. For more information on Lowndes County Fire Rescue, visit, www.lowndescounty.com.

The Warren Fire Department recently unveiled its new fire truck, Engine 6.

City and department officials were on hand for a check presentation from PotlatchDeltic, which helped make possible the purchase.

The new apparatus holds 1,300 gallons of water and boasts modern technology and plenty of storage space, reports salineriverchronicle.com.