New fire truck boosts Olden VFD’s firefighting capabilities

OLDEN, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Olden Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the arrival of its brand-new fire truck Saturday with a traditional “push-in” ceremony in the small Eastland County community.

The department’s new fire engine features a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump and a 2,000-gallon water tank — a significant upgrade from their previous vehicle, a 1990 Chevrolet Kodiak with a standard transmission that once served as a Blue Bell delivery truck.

Fire Chief Stephen Forbes said the new truck provides much-needed improvements to the department’s capabilities. He said the new vehicle doubles their water capacity, explaining that their previous tanker only held 1,000 gallons. He added that response times are now quicker, and the upgraded 360-horsepower Cummins engine offers much more power compared to the old 1990 Chevrolet Kodiak.

The new truck was made possible through grant funding and private donations, including:

• Texas A&M Forest Service: $240,000
• Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA): $25,000
• Anonymous Foundation: $100,000
• Anonymous local resident: $100,000