Thatcher-Penrose Fire Department will get three replacement vehicles in response to a report detailing problems hindering the department's effectiveness.
The report, presented to the County Commission, cited 40-year-old vehicles with top speeds of 45 miles per hour and a water tank that leaked so badly it was empty by the time it reached distant fires.However, the vehicles are not yet roadworthy.
Box Elder County Fire Marshal Greg Martz told commissioners that, with help, he could complete repairs in a week on a used truck with a 500-gallon tank. It would be suitable for both range and structure fires.
A used first-responder vehicle to carry emergency medical equipment requested months ago is also available. This surplus Sheriff's Department van is also in the shop for repairs according to Commissioner Lee Allen.
The third vehicle is a tanker that will be put together from a recently acquired 1973 chassis and a tank which has not yet been found.
Thatcher-Penrose firefighters, who are all volunteers, indicated their willingness to put in any amount of work to get the vehicles running. Commissioners were told that only the mechanical expertise of some of Thatcher-Penrose's fire-fighters has kept their ancient vehicles running. Since 1981, fire department members have returned all money made on fires to the department to fund operations.
In addition to the promised vehicles, the commissioners recommended the department initiate application for a Community Development Block Grant to fund acquisition of further equipment.