The city’s vintage fire truck last rolled in the 2006 Christmas parade.
WATER VALLEY – The planned auction of a vintage, city-owned 1937 GMC fire truck has been halted following additional discussion in the July 5 city board meeting.
The Water Valley Board of Alderpersons voted unanimously during the June 6 meeting to deem the old truck surplus and put it on a governmental auction site. Fire Chief Mark McGavock recommended the sale, explaining the funds could be used to purchase equipment for the city’s firefighters.
Speaking in the July meeting, the fire chief said several citizens have expressed interest in helping get the truck back running after reading of the pending sale in the Herald last month.
Alderman Ron Hart said he will also assist with getting the truck road ready where it can be driven in parades. Hart also said several people have reached out to offer donations for the planned work that includes purchasing six tires at an estimated cost of over $3,000.
“I can make it run and I can make it stop,” Hart said about getting the motor and the brakes operational.
The truck will be towed from the fire department back to city hall, where it was stored untouched for over 15 years. McGavock recommended allowing a year for volunteers to get it going. If interest wanes and the truck sits untouched after a year, he also recommended revisiting the sale.
