Most recently, the LCVFD acquired a 2002 Freightliner vehicle that it now uses at its primary rescue vehicle. The massive truck dwarfs the 1999 Ford box truck previously used for the same purpose by the department, and unlike that vehicle, is capable of housing all of the department’s important rescue equipment.

The upgrade is significant, but the cost may be the most surprising part of the process.

“The truck itself ... it was free,” Morrow said with a smile.

The federal surplus program donated the truck to the Letts department at no charge. It was later shipped from Los Alamos, New Mexico to Decatur County for around $7,000. It was clearly a bargain as Morrow said the sticker price for such a vehicle is around $440,000.

Even better, the Freightliner was almost “good as new.”

“There were no major repairs needed, just some minor things we had to do,” said the Letts fire chief.

Board members approved the purchase of a Pierce Ford F550 Mini Pumper/Initial Attack Apparatus. The specialty low-profile piece of equipment will allow first responders and equipment access to the areas south of the railroad tracks when city streets are blocked by trains. Global Emergency Products submitted a bid of $277,800.