It is a process six years in the making, a process that cost a lot of budgeting and support from the City of Sidney and the community.
Almost exactly a year after it was ordered, the Sidney Fire Department received its newest response unit, a 2021 fire engine.
Fire Chief Laverne Bown said the process of purchasing the truck has taken five to six years. In that time, the city council approved saving a percent of the fire department's budget each year. The frugal approach allowed the department to make a cash down payment on the truck of almost have the purchase price.
“A lot of time and effort goes into purchases like this,” said Sidney Mayor Roger Gallaway during the unveiling Dec. 28. “This truck cost nearly $500,000.