Now that their fire tanker has returned, Odem firefighters can exhale with relief. More than a year has passed since they last saw it.
Firefighter Dan Chapman stated, “We were on a call and the tanker and the engine pumper were both going, and she just went out within 30 seconds and blew the engine.”
The incident occurred in November 2022, depriving the Fire Department of a transportable water supply.
Because we have to transport water to the fire if we’re outside the city borders, this tanker is involved in 80% of our calls, according to Chapman.
It was difficult to work without the tanker for over a year.
With the tools at their disposal and the assistance of other fire departments, firefighters did their best.
We would frequently run out of water and have to wait for a responding organization to come with more, according to Chapman.
There was an issue with the tanker truck that was resolved in July.
“We couldn’t get the truck until the bill was paid, even though it was finished and sitting in the repair shop,” Chapman stated.
The city has a bill to pay, and Odem is currently experiencing financial difficulties.
After speaking with the repair firm, Mayor David Maldonado granted them an extension to settle the invoice.
“I felt we couldn’t do that to one of our vendors because when we do require repairs, it was cleared before me coming in. We found a solution because they support us,” Maldonado remarked.
A few days ago, the Odem Volunteer Fire Department received their tanker vehicle after the payment was made.
The firefighters tell us that even though they would rather have new gear, they are happy to have their tanker back since it makes their work much easier when it comes to rescuing people in Odem.
