Fire Chief Dean Harbison said the truck will be a great assest for the department and the community.

The truck seats up to six people and has more capabilities than the 1995 year-model ambulance that it is replacing.

"Having this new truck allows us to carry all of our medical equipment for basic and advanced life support. It also carries several rescue tools such as the "Jaws of Life" which we use to cut people free from wrecked vehicles, lifting airbags which can lift large vehicles or equipment and rescue struts which are used to stabalize these large vehicles and collapsed walls. It can also be used to fight small fires with its onboard water and foam systems," Harbison said.

AFG awarded the department $118,096 to upgrade its fleet in May 2015. The city invested $12,000 in the vehicle. The total cost of the truck is $130,549.

To combat that, Lawrence is proposing giving them a $2-an-hour pay hike. The Democrat-controlled council originally approved the idea, before voting it down.

"Our change of heart is in our statement," said Councilor Elizabeth Wheeler. "We're sticking to it until December, when we can evaluate the data used."

The council says it wants to further review the funding proposal and the impact of the increased revenue.

Councilor Rick Wells has decided to go against his own party on behalf of public safety.