When Rison, Arkansas, volunteer firefighters Keden Shrum and Tristan Ward found their department down to one reliable vehicle after their 1987 Ford pumper suffered severe brake and engine failures, they had to act fast. Relying on a single rig threatened the town's safety and risked spiking residents' homeowners insurance premiums due to a lower municipal ISO rating.
Bypassing slow federal grants, Shrum approached Mayor Charles Roberts. Recognizing the urgency, the city council quickly approved an $88,000 emergency safety budget. Online, the department found a unique, two-tone forest green 2004 KME fire truck listed for $50,000 by a department in Hagerstown, Maryland. Its unconventional color lowered demand, securing Rison a bargain.
After conducting a meticulous virtual Zoom inspection, Shrum and Ward flew to Maryland to drive the rig 1,200 miles back, saving a $6,000 shipping fee. Hagerstown firefighters generously gifted them vital tools and fire hoses. Despite a grueling ride, a clogged spark arrester, and a blown tire, the duo pushed through. Now back in Rison, the "Forest Green Machine" is being outfitted with local decals, ready to protect the community.