The Kirklin Fire Department officially welcomed its newest addition to the fleet this week, a state-of-the-art pumper tanker that has already been put to the test.
The truck, built by Deep South Fire Trucks in Mississippi, features a 1,250-gallon-per-minute Hale pump and a 2,500-gallon poly tank. For now, it will serve as the department’s primary tanker, but once another new apparatus is delivered in the coming weeks, it will transition into service as a multi-purpose engine.
The purchase was made possible through the combined support of the Kirklin Township Trustee, the Sugar Creek Township Trustee, their respective boards, and the local community. Department leaders expressed their gratitude for the teamwork and financial backing that brought the project to completion.
Special recognition was also given to the truck committee, which included Chief Henry, Assistant Chief Clements, Captain Kohl, Firefighter Poole, and Firefighter Goodwin, who worked closely on the design and acquisition process.
Before the truck could even be officially placed in service, tones dropped for a possible combine fire in the area. The new tanker rolled out on its very first run, giving firefighters a chance to see the truck in action and confirm its readiness for future emergencies.
“This is a tremendous step forward for our department and our community,” fire officials said, noting the importance of modern equipment in protecting lives and property.