Department members and leaders gathered last month with leaders from the village and town of Westfield for an official dedication of a brand new and technologically-updated rescue truck, which has been part of its official fleet since January.

Former fire chief and current Hook and Ladder Lieutenant William H. Bills explained how the acquisition of the rescue truck got started as he was leaving his term as chief and current Fire Chief Jerry Ruch was entering.

After discussing the need for a new rescue vehicle with both the village and town boards, a joint committee was formed to make an informed decision about what vehicle would best serve the needs of the department.

The excess military vehicle was awarded through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DOD FFP). The department also accepted a $20,000 grant from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to purchase a slip-on unit that was installed onto the back of the truck. This program currently provides funding to rural volunteer fire departments for the acquisition of slip-on units for military vehicles, helping in their conversion into a firefighting apparatus. Both programs are administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. 

According to the agenda, the new firehouse will be built at 1912 Old Jolliff Road and serve as a replacement for the Dock Landing Road fire station. A spokesperson with the city says the Dock Landing Road fire station is not big enough to house modern equipment and emergency services vehicles needed to serve the community.