The afternoon of December 28th was a special one for Hardin Fire Department. For the first time in over two decades a Fire Truck was delivered. It is a 1984 Kenworth chassis with an FMC body.

During the afternoon of the 28th the latest addition to the Fire Department, "Engine 71" was put through its paces. Hardin firefighters learned how to make the best use of this new truck's capabilities. Engine 71 is outfitted to be the primary attack pumper for the Fire Department. It seats up to 6 firefighters and carries 750 gallons of water. The truck can deliver up to 1200 gallons of water a minute through several different sizes of fire hose. The new engine is powered by a diesel engine and offers the ability to pump water and roll at the same time through a high pressure pump. The Engine will also carry the departments' EMS supplies such as oxygen.

Since the formation of the Fire Protection District in 1999, part of the monies collected have been dedicated to upgrading equipment. One of the primary equipment needs was a replacement plan for the departments aging pumpers. Hardin Fire Department has depended upon its two primary pumpers, a 1967 International and a1971 Ford. The new Engine will replace the 1967 pumper. To make the purchase as economical as possible all hose and equipment from the old truck would be transferred to the new one. After looking at new and used trucks and anticipating wear and tear the department would put on a truck, it was decided that the best use of resources was a quality used truck.

A nationwide search for quality used trucks was undertaken using periodicals, sales brochures and websites. A visit to last summer's International Association of Fire Chiefs meeting in Kansas City resulted in contacting a company from Rogersville Missouri - Mid-America Fire Apparatus. It was later determined that the Fire department had purchased one of its current pumpers and firefighting hose from this company in the past. Fire Chief Malcolm Cunningham traveled to Rogersville to talk with the companies' President, tour the companies' facilities and take a look at some of their used pumpers. While none of their current trucks were right for the department, the truck finally purchased was discussed as a possibility. At that time it was being picked up from its original department in New York state. Once Mid-America took ownership of the truck, it was brought up to Hardin so the Board of Directors and firefighters could "test drive" it. In a later board meeting the decision to purchase was made. Financing for part of the truck was obtained from Community Bank of Missouri in Richmond with a lot of help from Brad Hogan.

The new pumper is now fully operational and has already responded to several emergencies.

This addition to the department is the result of hundreds of hours of work and a commitment to providing the district patrons with the best services possible. It has been a collaboration between the district Board of Directors and the Firefighters, all of whom volunteer their time to the community.