The Deerfield Fire Department received $3,000 in grant funding from the Missouri Department of Conservation this week to help offset the cost of a custom fire truck body.

The department has spent more than a year building the combination engine and tanker on a military surplus Freightliner chassis acquired through the Department of Conservation.

Kris Sisseck said department members mounted the pump and 2,500-gallon tank but lacked the equipment necessary to build the tool boxes so they turned to Brunner Fabrication in Joplin.

The department spent $16,000 to have a custom body built for the truck which will serve both as a tanker to haul water to a fire as well as a backup engine to supplement the department’s first out 1989 Sutphen engine.

The difference between the retired 1995 pumper and the new Squad truck include: large compartments to store equipment and air-conditioning in the crew cab, Deputy Chief Jim Hopkins had previously told TAPinto.  "Traditionally, pumpers just had hoses on them," said Hopkins, as well as some water.  They had few compartments for equipment. That has changed, because different duties have been added to the department's list of responsibilities, he added.