New truck fills need at Preston VFD

The newest addition to the fleet at the Preston Volunteer Fire Department is just what the doctor ordered.

The $100,000 Dodge 5500 will be used as a brush truck and an emergency response vehicle. The truck has a 300 gallon water tank and can accommodate up to 750 feet in hose.

“Over the last 10 years the county, through the board of supervisors, has bought a lot of equipment for the fire departments,” said Michael Ted Evans. “One of the things is a set of Jaws of Life. This vehicle will be able to carry those and the fire department can get to an emergency without having to run out one of the big trucks.”

He also said the truck will be used to battle brush fires, which he noted was the source of many of the calls that the Preston VFD receives.

The Preston VFD also has two Class A pumpers that can carry 1,000 gallons of water apiece and a 3,5000 gallon tanker.

There are about 18 current members of the VFD in Preston who normally respond to calls. Jason Sharp is the fire chief.

Evans, who also Represents District 45 in the Mississippi State House of Representatives, along with District 32 State Senator Sampson Jackson worked to get the bond bill through the legislature to purchase the truck. Similar trucks have also been ordered or will be ordered for the Nanih Waiya Fire Department in Winston County and the 3-Mile Corner VFD near Scooba.