Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha says "We've needed a fire station to help support some of the busier stations on the westside, in particular fire stations number 8 on Kostoryz and fire station 10, this will provide us some support and improve our response times in the area.

Fire station 18 should be ready to begin answering calls by late Summer or early Fall 2017.

A few years ago, the department knew some of their fire trucks were not going to meet their needs much longer. Adding a new one to the fleet was becoming more and more of a must. So a fire truck committee among the firefighters was formed. Chief Kropp was part of it, as was Scott Racki, Cody Fetters, Doug Vermulm, Michael Moran, Jess Fey and Pat Fey.

The new truck was ordered and on Sept. 9 it arrived. The local firemen are now in possession of a 2016 fire engine red Ford F550, 4-door, diesel, "which we designed 100 percent from bumper to bumper," he stated.

It is more than just a regular Ford pickup. This one came outfitted as a fire truck, complete with more features than a regular truck off the lot, which explains why its sticker price was just over $160,000.

"The firemen put up $56,000 and the Glacier County Commissioners kicked in the remainder. So we did as we promised and put the money we raised from our flings to really good use to get a well-outfitted fire truck we needed so badly," Chief Kropp said. "It really is a fantastic truck and we cannot thank the community enough for all of their support in helping us get this truck."

The old truck that was replaced by this new addition did not just end up in a junkyard somewhere. It still had some life left in it and according to Chief Kropp it went to Del Bonita, which was in need of a fire truck. "They were happy to have it," he added.

The car then drove away from the scene, said Chief Sanders.

"SPD is investigating. We do know this is a narrow road, there is no curb. If you go off the road here, you're in a ditch," said Chief Sanders. "That's what happened with engine 6."

There were three firefighters in the truck. One of them was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Chief Sanders said the firefighter driving the truck was not the normal driver.

Some people who live in the area may have experienced a brief power outage because Swepco had to disconnect power lines over the fire truck in order to remove it from the ditch.

The PL Custom Freightliner ambulance is the largest of the Melville Rescue Squad's five Advanced Life Support ambulances. It carries two stretchers and is first due on all auto accidents.