Axtell, TX, Firefighters Asking for Help as Aging Fleet Isn't Reliable
When residents call, Leroy-Axtell firefighters respond.
Now, they're the ones calling on the community for help. And, it's vital that they answer.
That's because three of their fire apparatus are out of service due to mechanical issues, Firefighter Joey Reinke told KCEN.
"We don't ask a lot from the community because we know times are hard for everybody. But, we're at a point where we need help."
He explained that one of fire trucks had to be towed back to the firehouse after it broke down responding to a call. That happened weeks after another rig received a costly brake job.
"Some of the vehicles are outdated, and with that come outdated parts. We're trying to get support from the community to upgrade to newer equipment — not necessarily brand new — but trucks where parts are available and repairs are more manageable."
He and others worry about not being able to respond to incidents quickly.
"West is about a 30-minute drive in a fire truck. That could be the difference between life and death or how much of a house is salvageable."
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.