Wythe County Enhances Public Safety with Acquisition of Four Fire Trucks

WYTHE COUNTY, Va.- Wythe County has strengthened its commitment to public safety with the purchase of four fire trucks for the county fleet.

Members of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, Department of Emergency Services, and County administration gathered Tuesday evening to unveil three of the four new fire trucks ahead of the regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting. These vehicles will significantly enhance the county’s ability to respond to emergencies and serve the community effectively.

The $1,483,000 acquisition was made possible with a loan from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development fund, following approval by the Board of Supervisors earlier this year.

“These fire trucks are a vital investment in the safety and well-being of our residents and first responders,” said Chairman Brian W. Vaught of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors. “The Board deeply appreciates our volunteer firefighters and the tireless dedication of our Emergency Services staff and county administration in securing these essential resources. This acquisition enhances our ability to protect our citizens and is a significant win for the entire community.”

The new pumpers will be deployed across various fire stations in Wythe County, taking older units out of service and increasing each department’s on-board water capacity. Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus served as the vendor for this purchase. Max Meadows Fire Department, Speedwell Fire Department, and Ivanhoe Fire Department will each receive one of the trucks, while the fourth will operate as a reserve vehicle for the Department of Emergency Services, available for deployment wherever needed.

“Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our community and first responders by equipping them with the necessary resources for effective emergency response,” said Chuck Parnell, director of Wythe County Emergency Services. “We are thankful for the support of the Board of Supervisors, which enables us to uphold our commitment to delivering swift and effective emergency services to the citizens of Wythe County.”

The fourth of the new acquisitions is expected to arrive before the end of the month with all trucks entering service by mid-September.