With the sound of a siren blaring and the sight of lights flashing, a crowd of people began billowing out of the home of Rick and Debbie Blue on Saturday, Feb. 9.
The Blue’s were hosting the annual Erris Volunteer Fire Association Winter Social evening, when much to the majority of the crowds surprise, a fire truck pulled right up to the house.
A special gift for the Erris association with thanks to the efforts of Area H Director Brad Hope and the Hayes Creek Fire and Rescue Association.
Hayes Creek Chief Rob Miller and his group have been of great service and help to the Erris association—providing information, guidance, shared training, support and now, a Ford 750 gallon per minute fully equipped engine/pumper fire truck.
Director Hope has spent months working on this project. He recently acquired an International 1050 gallon per minute engine/pumper truck for Hayes Creek. The two trucks are at end of service life for certified fire departments, however are in great condition and are suitable for rural departments like Erris and Hayes Creek.
Now, both departments will have fully operational trucks to work with.
The special delivery was kept secret from the majority of the Erris association, but was received with cheers and applause.
Both Chief Miller and Director Hope were pleased to make the presentation. As for the director getting to drive the fire truck— “I loved it ,” he said.