Alabama volunteer fire department struggles to keep trucks running

  • Source: WBMA-TV ABC 33/40 Birmingham
  • Published: 01/29/2020 12:00 AM

Chris Owens turned the key but the engine in the fire truck would not start. It wasn't the first time. The Town Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department's equipment has fallen into disrepair as the department faces significant financial challenges. "We'll jump that truck first," said Owens looking at the pumper truck which still bore the Sipsey name from it's former home. "Then we'll use that truck to jump this one and then we'll be out of here...time is of the essence" Jumping the trucks can often take 10 minutes, longer than it can take a mobile home to be destroyed in a fire. On Saturday, the department resorted to asking for donations to pay for new truck batteries. Owens said they have requested $35 in fire dues last year from the more than 500 residents which they serve. Only 25 voluntarily paid according to the chief.



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