According to Fire Chief Roberto Rojas, the department has not had a new customized truck in about 30 years. It comes equipped with all the latest technology including a larger tank to fight the toughest of fires.

Once the money is approved, and city administration gives the OK to make the purchase, it’s just a matter of making a phone call to get the ball rolling in having the city’s newest fire engine built, Fire Chief Guy Santone said.  

“It’s all spec’d out and ready to go,” Santone said, adding that he hopes to see the new rig put in service by summer.

The truck the city fire bureau wants to buy is a Pierce Manufacturing rescue pumper. The 1999 Kovatch Mobile Equipment rig it will replace as the front-line vehicle at Engine Co. 6 will become a reserve truck at the station.

They’re hoping to get it out into the community and use it to educate the public on the fire department’s history.  

“Local parades, county parades, more than likely some of the surrounding towns,” said Dimmitt VFD Cpt. David Stephens. “Fire prevention week to help educate some of the younger kids on how the fire service has changed throughout the years.”

But they said it’s going to take a lot of costly work to get it up and running again.