United States (Mississippi) - Even though the old fire truck has been a good one over the years, Center Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Chief Curtis Jones is itching to get his hands on a newer version on its way to the fire house on York Road. As the red engine, driven by Lauderdale County Fire Service Coordinator Allan Dover pulls up to park next to the older, white unit, Jones lets himself smile just a little bit.

"It feels good to have this engine here," Jones said as he watches Dover turn on all the lights and flashers last week. "This will be a dependable truck for us and we sorely needed it."

The fire engine belonged to the Long Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. But since Long Creek firefighters are now the proud owners of a brand new engine, this one was sent to Center Ridge to upgrade that department. In essence, the department was trading out a 1991 model for a more modern 1995 version. A few years may not seem to make a difference but Dover explains to Jones and District 2 Supervisor Wayman Newell there are some improved qualities in the newer engine.

Dover said the newer engine has a Hale pump system, which is the same for all other engines in the county. It is more reliable as he pointed out the results of a recent pump test on Center Ridge's older engine.

"Their pump failed," Dover said. "A fire engine can't have that sort of failure."

Also, the older engine has a water tank leak that is not repairable. Jones said he or one of the other volunteers had to come out to the fire house every two or three days to put water in the tank to replace that which had leaked.

Dover said there is also more room for storage in this newer model. Any way you look at it, this addition was a good one for the department, he said.

"We will be able to service our residents better with this," said Jones as he stands next to Dover at the pumping control station right behind the cab.

Dover said the old engine will be put into surplus by the county.

All of this trading and moving around of equipment has another purpose aside from the obvious one of giving residents better fire protection. Former LCFS coordinator Clarence Butler aimed to give Lauderdale County a county-wide Class 8 rating.

"The residents here have been paying too much for insurance for too long," said Newell.

This rating by the State Insurance Commission would effectively lower home insurance rates for the residents. Most Lauderdale County residents enjoy these lower rates right now but there are a few holes that need to be filled.

"This engine will help but we will have to work in order to get to a Class 8," said Jones. "One option is to combine departments in the district for mutual support."

"I'm going to get with the chiefs across the county to make sure we accomplish this goal," Dover added.

As the three men prepare to depart, Newell gives Jones his card and tells him to give him a call if ever he needed anything.

"I sure will," said Jones. "I'll call you. You can count on that."

Written by The Meridian Star