A piece of America's history will arrive at its new home in Matagorda County this week. June 17, the Midfield Volunteer Fire Department purchased a 1992 Spartan model fire engine from the Endwell Fire Department in Endwell, N.Y. The engine was on scene for search-and-rescue operations after the Twin Towers fell in New York City on 9/11.
"I just think it's awesome," Midfield Fire Chief Vic Collins said. "Especially us being firemen, 9/11 was such a big deal. Getting in the truck to drive it after we learned it's history - It was an honor. You could feel it."
The engine cost $25,000, which the Midfield fire department paid through donations from the public during their annual barbecue cook-off fundraiser.
"Our budget is very small from Matagorda County: only $1,800 a year," Collins said. "It took us two years to raise the money to buy this truck. It was purchased entirely off of gracious donations from the public. I think that's a major thing because the public knows we are putting the money back into the department."
The new engine will replace a 1980 model fire engine and will act as the department's primary unit and first truck out for calls. The truck will be decaled with the Midfield department's logo, but the stickers commemorating its service during 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy will remain.