The Thompson's Station Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to approve the purchase of a fire truck "not to exceed $18,000." The vote was 6 -1 with board member Sheila Shipman casting an opposing vote.
During the Nov. 8, 2016 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, Alderman Brinton Davis made a motion to approve the purchase of the fire truck. The motion was seconded and approved 3- 1 with Alderman Graham Shepard providing the lone vote, citing concerns about unforeseen additional costs which might be associated with the purchase of a vintage vehicle.
The town subsequently paid $16,000 for a running 1942 Chevrolet fire truck which was located and obtained via craigslist.
“I was on the Parks Board at the time and I talked to the board. We had — I can’t remember — I want to say $60,000 in our coffers for the Parks Board and I talked them into spending the $16,000. Well, we talked about it and a couple weeks went by and the mayor [Corey Napier] sent me this link. I think he looked at a couple things on craigslist and this one was in Lascassas. I asked some questions. I asked, ‘is this worth it?’ We did some research. It seemed in line with any other fire truck in that general age range. He drove down and looked at it and it was in perfect working order,” Davis said.