VIDEO: The Galva Volunteer Fire Department has added a new pumper truck to its fleet, replacing a 25-year-old engine thanks to community support and years of savings. The new vehicle, a brand-new International five-man cab pumper, arrived at the end of June after an eight-month wait from order to delivery. The truck cost around $500,000.
“We were fortunate enough with donations and savings that we could purchase one,” said Galva Volunteer Fire Chief Nate Byers. Byers said the state of Illinois recommends replacing fire trucks every 20 years. The department’s old engine had exceeded that lifespan, prompting the upgrade. The retired truck has since been sold to the nearby town of Gladstone. Galva’s fleet now includes three engines, two brush trucks, and a rescue vehicle. The new pumper is one of the three engines. The department handles approximately 160 calls annually, with the new pumper expected to respond to about 100. The purchase is being financed over 10 years, and donations are still being accepted at Galva City Hall to support the effort.
