Anadarko Adds New State-Of-The-Art Fire Truck In Renewed Commitment To Public Safety

During a time when many small Oklahoma towns are struggling to make ends meet, one community is celebrating a big purchase.

The City of Anadarko welcomed a new state-of-the-art fire truck to its fleet.

A dedication ceremony was held Friday afternoon at the fire station in Anadarko.

“The safety of all firefighters and the lives of the victims that you are going to go rescue depend on the function of that truck,” Anadarko fire chief Greg Stone said. “The better it is, the safter we are.”

The approximately $750,000 purchase was help made possible with a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A city bond also aided the purchase.

City officials said the truck was desperately needed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The previous truck had just gotten to the point that the cost of maintaining it was really high,” Anadarko city manager Kenneth Corn said. “Also, it was getting to the point where we may not be able to pass the certification for us to use it safety.”

City leaders last purchased a new fire truck back in 1989. Previous engines were handed down to the city from bigger departments.

The new truck can now hold more water for areas without any hydrants.

Cameras are looking in every direction. Stone said they will help in criminal investigations.                           

“The equipment on the truck was extra.” Stone said. “The city council and the city manager were good enough to have the foresight that if we were going to have a new truck, we want to put new equipment on it, as well.”

The truck brings a renewed sense of pride. Fire officials said is nice to see again.

“The excitement for me to see the guys in the department, and the expressions on their face and the excitement for them, that is what makes it all worth it for me,” Stone said.

If awarded, the next grant city officials are working on would renovate a local armory and turn it into a new community center that will house city hall.