Miner Fire Department back to full strength with arrival of new truck

Members of the Miner Volunteer Fire Department look over the Department's new fire engine after its delivery. The vehicle was funded through the city's fire tax which was approved by voters last April. (Scott Welton, Staff)

MINER -- The Miner Volunteer Fire Department is back on track with a new truck, a new funding source and hope for the future.

The city of Miner received delivery Wednesday afternoon of the first new fire engine for the Department in about a decade.

"Our fire tax at work," said Deloris Smith, Miner Board of Alderman member.

The city's voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax to fund operation of the Fire Department in April. The Board approved in May the purchase of the new fire truck from Sentinel Emergency Solutions in Arnold at $216,955.

"That is the delivery price," said Darrin Skinner, city clerk. "They are going to use the equipment from our old truck that is broken down to equip this one -- hoses, air packs, hand tools, ladders -- all the miscellaneous equipment."

With an interest rate of 4.28 percent on the financing and quarterly payments of $6,701.84, "it will be paid off in 2025," Skinner said. "It is financed through Montgomery Bank on a lease-purchase."

"I'm excited and nervous," said Zach Albright, part-time fire chief for the Miner Volunteer Fire Department. "It has been a long process but I am just happy this day is finally here."

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