Oskaloosa Fire Department received a grant from the Mahaska County Community Foundation in the amount of $3,000. The remainder of the funding came from leftover budget from the fire station expansion project.

The UHP pump was placed into service in December of 2018. Other upgrades to the truck include a flatbed for greater durability, side mount toolboxes to store tools and contaminated gear, off-road tires for muddy conditions, and increased emergency lighting for greater firefighter safety.

According to Henderson volunteer firefighter Cheri Smith, the pumper truck was sitting in the garage of the broker who sold the truck to the department, waiting to be transported by flatbed to Henderson, when two planes were deliberately flown into the World Trade Center.  

The broker immediately turned the truck over to a station in NYC to be used until the department could receive a new pumper.

This past Saturday, the members of the HVFD hosted an open house at the main station on U.S. Highway 62 and at that time commemorated the 37-year-old truck, recognizing its service following Sept. 11.