Walker County approves $1.47 million ladder truck after June crash; chairwoman flags prior limited insurance

Walker County commissioners voted July 10 to approve a purchase order for a replacement ladder truck after the county’s frontline aerial apparatus was lost in a June 24 accident.

Fire Chief Blake Hodge told the board the county located a Pierce stock unit that matches the department’s operational needs and is available sooner than a custom unit. “We were very fortunate to secure the option on this particular truck because if not, we’ll be waiting 2 to 4 years,” Hodge said, describing typical lead times and manufacturer availability. He said the truck under contract is lighter, has a shorter wheelbase more suited to county roads, and carries warranties including a 20‑year structural warranty on the ladder and a 10‑year…