But thanks to a federal loan passed through by Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, Linke and the crew now have a dependable, modern truck. The unveiling of the $265,000 truck was the highlight of a May 21 open house at the station. The $212,000 zero-interest loan came from the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development and Grant Program, or REDLG.

“We get more manpower from the station to the location to be able to fight fires faster and more efficiently,” firefighter Shawn Pergande said Saturday while demonstrating the truck’s new features. “It’ll carry a lot more equipment.“It’s been a long time in the process, but it’s something that we really did need for the department.”

The California Highway Patrol said the driver of the car failed to make a full stop at Norris Road and Knudsen Drive, and the fire truck smashed into the car.

“A couple weeks ago, with the help from the Fort Smith Fire Department, I was able to donate some fire gear to two different fire departments (states) in Guatemala. It brought with it some emotions for me as this was the first time in over a year that I have been around any firefighters. After being away from it over a year, I understand even better now the brotherhood that comes along with being a firefighter. I enjoyed talking and just being around other firefighters who, many, truly understand my experiences as a firefighter. To be able to talk and tell stories to ones who have actually experienced the same things is special. It’s a bond.

Thank you to the Guatemalan firefighters who were so appreciative. I was so glad to help and look forward helping again in the future. As long as the donations continue to come, we can help.