Not many people know that Central Pierce Fire & Rescue saves lives with what used to be a beer truck.
The vehicle is used as a makeshift rescue rig, carrying equipment for the fire department’s most technical emergency calls, including rescues involving structural collapse, trenches and confined spaces.
For almost 20 years, it’s done its job — mostly. Now it’s time for the 1981 International Harvester to make way for a brand new rescue rig, saving the department — and taxpayers — thousands of dollars in maintenance costs.
“The new rig will be safer for us getting down the road (and be) easier to maintain,” Lt. Josh Farris said.