In an effort to become more self-reliant, the Clinton Fire Department earlier this week was approved to purchase a water tanker for their crews.

According to Dan Ballenger, Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, the tanker would be an addition to the department that would allow them to respond to rural emergencies and not be as reliant on rural fire districts to aid them.

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Ballenger also commended interim Fire Chief David Dallas for his continued work in training with the department and to continue to build up their numbers.

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Ballenger indicates the department did not pursue a brand new tanker, instead they will purchase a truck with approximately 20-thousand miles on it but the rest of the features including the tank, the lights and paint will be brand new.

The Fire Department will also receive new pagers at a cost of just over $2-thousand.