HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) -- Houston Fire Chief Curtis Jernigan is all about bells and whistles and now he has a vehicle that has them all.
"It's like a big Christmas present," Chief Jernigan said.
The Mississippi Insurance Department and local officials split the $140,000 cost.
"It's just come now to where we had to do it and thank goodness for the state. They were able to help contribute about half of the cost of this vehicle," Houston Mayor Stacey Parker said.
The old one dates back to the 1980's. All too often it would break down on the job.
"We worried about getting an emergency call and this vehicle not making it there and somebody in a moving vehicle accident and we're broke down and can't get to them. So, this is something the department has looked forward to for ten years or so," Chief Jernigan added.
"This truck is much more modern and safer. We're gonna be able to run wrecks and fires and what have you with one truck now," Captain Jonathan Blankenship said.
The truck was purchased with grant money from the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program.
