The Walnut Ridge City Council is expected to review proposals for new vehicles for the police and fire departments during its meeting on Monday.
The fire department is seeking approval for a 10-year-old fire truck to replace two aging vehicles: a 30-year-old rescue truck and a 25-year-old engine. Fire Chief Chris Jones explained that the current rescue truck lacks extinguishing capabilities, while the proposed replacement would be more fuel-efficient and operate on gas instead of diesel.
“In today’s world, with the fuel prices and all the unknowns going out there, we need to be as efficient as we can … for the people and property that we protect,” Jones said. He added that the department had exhausted its annual fuel budget by July, underscoring the need for more fuel-efficient equipment.
The city council will also consider a request from the police department for a new Ram truck. Police Chief Aaron Moore said the vehicle would replace some of the department's older Dodge Durangos, which require frequent repairs.
“We’ve got older vehicles that are in and out of the shop more than they’re on the road,” Moore said. “It’s time to get them off the road. Ain’t no reason to put a band-aid on it and call it fixed.”
Both proposals aim to improve operational efficiency and reliability for Walnut Ridge’s emergency services.