Odessa Fire/Rescue officials have already sent out a purchase order for 10 new fire trucks worth $7.3 million to replace the current fleet of vehicles that has run up high maintenance costs last year, Fire Chief Roger Boyd said.

The seven engines and three ladder trucks would take a year to design and construct, and would also carry a “bumper-to-bumper” eight-year warranty. The Pierce brand fire trucks the OFD is seeking would be manufactured in Appleton, Wis., Boyd said.

Boyd said he was thrilled at the prospect of getting the trucks in a year’s time as part of the OFR’s plan, adding that the firefighters are “really excited.”

In the meantime, the current fleet of seven fire trucks would remain in service. Once the new trucks are delivered, two of them would be housed at each of the eight fire stations and two of them would be set aside as reserves, Boyd said.

Some members of the Fresno City Firefighters Union are outraged after this sign supporting mayoral candidate Lee Brand was spotted on an antique fire truck near Blackstone and Shaw avenues last week.

"My question to them was, 'Why a fire truck?' There only one reason why you would use a fire truck," said James Scoggins, Fresno City Firefighters Union.

Scoggins believes that reason is to trick voters. The union has publicly endorsed Henry Perea, one of Brand's opponents -- and Scoggins says having brand's sign on a fire truck around Fresno is misleading.

"It's a deceptive tactic meant to confuse voters into believing that public safety have endorsed and support Lee Brand in his campaign for mayor of the City of Fresno, and that is just not the case."

In order to do so, the city would be required to provide two new fire stations, each equipped with a first class combination truck. One was to be located near Sixth Street and Greensboro Avenue; the other near Broad Street and Twenty-first Avenue. The horse-drawn truck was to be kept in reserve at the latter location. Additional fire stations would be needed as the city grew.

The Queen Contest for queen of the centennial was underway and judges had to correct the erroneous impression that when a name was sent in on a nomination black, the candidate received 100 votes; after a nomination the votes are one cent each. Many nomination forms for the same women were being submitted.  The judges added that motion pictures would be made of the queen and her maids. At week’s end, Miss Mary Lee Webb had 510 votes, Miss Annalee Fitts had 505, and Miss Augusta Harwood had 500.

Tuscaloosa was warned about the spread of rabies. State health officer, Dr. W.G. Sanders, asked for a strict city law providing for the muzzling or all privately owned dogs and the killing of all stray dogs as the only way of safeguarding the public from the wide spread outbreak of rabies among dogs and other animals across the state.

An election for the issuance of $15,000 in bonds for the building of a wharf on the Warrior River had been called and the date for the election would be announced at an early date. 

The Parker Fire Department put $170,000 worth of equipment on board.

The new truck gives the department almost double the capacity for firemen and additional space for more equipment.

"When we were in the old station, we couldn't accommodate a larger truck," said Parker Fire Chief Andrew Kelly. "This is the first time the City of Parker has had a four-door cab so now rather than two guys riding on the truck, we can get five on the truck to go to calls."

The new truck arrived Thursday at the station. Since then, firemen have been cleaning it and loading it with gear.

Fire Chief Andy Petrowski said having MSA design the voice, video and data communications as well as the security and keyless entry system for an extra $6,000 would actually save money. “I just don’t know how you would either go outside of that firm to try to bid it separately at anywhere near that cheap of cost, or try do it after the fact,” he said. The $6,000 does not cover installation or hardware.

Former town chairman Don Gauger said it is unsettling that a public safety facility such as a fire station has to be monitored against vandalism and theft. Board member Bryan Jennings reminded him that the new fire station would be located in a semi-secluded area of town. Gauger conceded the point, adding that outside lighting is important for proper security also. Among other points discussed: architect’s fees could increase if the overall cost of construction rises substantially. There will be added costs for on-site inspection, possibly one or more days a week. Petrowski said it’s vital that a knowledgeable general contractor be selected. “It’s mind-boggling on how much money they can save on this,” he said.

Town Chairman Mark Hartzheim said the contractors should save as many trees as possible when clearing the lot. Members very briefly discussed how to finance the project, noting that the town clerk will help determine payment options, including paying some of the architect’s fees this year.

County officials oversaw the conversion of a building at the old fire tower location into a four-bay station with a fire truck for volunteer use. County officials said they hope the property will be used for a brand-new fire station and 24-hour crew in the future.