During public comment, there was overwhelming support from residents for the project without sending the decision to referendum. Councilors narrowly defeated a $15 million plan, opting instead to borrow $13.5 million for the project.

Councilor Jane Millett, who initially voted for the $15 million plan, said she was “extremely disappointed,” but is glad the $13.5 million plan was approved.

It’s been seven years since Liberty County has purchased new fire trucks, so this is a new and great addition to their fire services.  

EMS was also able to get new equipment because of SPLOST funding.

Councilman Marion Stevens said on Wednesday that the cost of these new fire trucks was about $749,000. One fire truck will be stationed in the McIntosh community and the other in Sunbury.

"This is replacing a 20-year-old piece of equipment that has served us well," Fire Chief Thomas Walker said. "After 20 years, it is getting a little worn." 

The 2018 E-1 platform fire truck has a 2,000-gallon minute pump, a 470-gallon water tank and a 30-gallon foam tank.  

The crash happened around 10:30 p.m. on Interstate 75 northbound near mile marker 470.

The crash report states that a fire truck from the Jennings Fire Department was traveling northbound on I-75 in the left lane with its emergency lights activated. Troopers say the rear lights on the fire truck were inoperable.

Troopers say the fire truck driver crossed into the middle lane and made a wide left turn to use the emergency U-turn lane, causing the front of the minivan to collide with the left side of the fire truck.