OZARK, Alabama (WTVY) – Acquiring a new fire truck, a project that has been a year in the making, has not always been smooth sailing for the Ozark Fire Department.

“There was a backlog because of COVID,” said Ozark Fire Chief Sam Perry. “It was supposed to be a different fire truck. Delivery times, parts and things like that were hard to come by.”

Delays slowed the process, but the department’s patience paid off.

“Rosenbauer had this truck, they call it a demo truck,” Perry said. “They build so many of them every year. It was available. City council members helped us and within a month we had purchased it.”

It is a new engine with the latest features for firefighting and employee safety.

“The trip to and from a mission is where we can most often get injured,” Perry said. “The truck is heavier and has a 1,000-gallon water tank. The compartments are smaller, but everything is easier.”

There are smaller compartments, but more space to work.

“Many other trucks only fit four people,” said Chief Charles Ward, director of the Ozark Department of Public Safety. “This one can fit six people.”

The inauguration of this truck also included watering the front and calling all hands on deck to push the truck into the station.

“I told them they were like little kids on Christmas morning,” Ward said. “They are very grateful.”

The employees are convinced that this will also apply to the city.

“When they call and need you, they want you to come with the best equipment,” Ward said. “I think it’s encouraging for the community because they see the city is doing things that can help them.”

They ensure the safety of the people they serve.

The department plans to begin training on the new truck on August 27.

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