By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In 2019, the Great Bend Fire Department was placed on a list with the U.S. Forest Service for a five-ton, 6x6 military vehicle to be converted into a brush truck. Earlier this year, Great Bend took delivery of the truck to enhance their ability to fight brush and grass fires, especially in the river basin.
Fire Chief Brent Smith said once the vehicle is painted, the Forest Service signs the title over to Great Bend.
"This only has around 14,000 miles on it," said Smith. "It was through the Air Force. Everyone tells us the Air Force takes a little better care of their stuff than some of the other branches. We're fortunate with that. I would guess we can get 15 to 20 years, depending our use of it."
The Great Bend City Council approved the purchase of a 1,000-gallon skid unit from Hays Fire Equipment for $37,154.70. The tank and pump will allow the truck to be placed into service, eventually replacing the 250-gallon truck.