Out of the Ashes: Nolan VFD's Refurbished Truck
By: Nora Hartfeil
Updated: July 9, 2012
Rolan Petty, of the Nolan VFD, was there, "After the 2011 fire season, the more equipment that you can throw at a fire to try to control it and suppress it, the better", says Petty.
At the time of the fire, the truck was used by the Sweetwater Fire Department, which needed replaced after the damage from the fire. But instead of letting the truck go to waste, the VFD in Nolan, saw the 1968 model as the perfect fixer upper.
"We added bumpers, and stairs to access the top where the fire fighters stand", Petty explains.
After they received a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene, the folks at the VFD got busy customizing their new truck.
"I think its great that we could pass our equipment on to them, so they're not out more money than they have to be", says Paul King, Assistant Chief at the Sweetwater Fire Department.
A rural area with rough terrain, the residents of Nolan County are grateful to have more protection in their town. "I think it's a great deal that we got it. Because we need more brush equipment, because that's what we have to fight around here", says Nolan resident, Dewayne Morgan.
Fortunately, they haven't had to use the truck yet, but the Nolan VFD says that if they ever have to face a large fire again, they will be well- prepared.
The Nolan VFD tells us that at this point, the truck is half paid for, and they'll be relying on community donations and fundraisers to pay off the total bill.







