OWENS CROSS ROADS, AL—
The Owens Cross Roads Volunteer Fire Department got great news Friday afternoon. They're getting a brand new $250,000 fire truck to use as they serve the community!The fire department won an online contest sponsored by E-One, a company that makes fire equipment. The contest asked for stories written by fire departments across the nation to explain why they need a new fire truck.
"We had a story, a very heartfelt story for our community," said Fire Chief Danny Kelly. "One of the other members of our department wrote a story," said Kelly.
That story included a rich history of their small department and the legacy of Robert Murray Maples.
"He was an assistant chief for 51 years. He was a father figure, a mentor to all of us. Helped build a lot of the things we have in our station," said Kelly.
Maples was a key cog in the wheel of acquiring the department's second-ever fire engine 261, also known as engine 'number 2'.
"It was in service from 1968 until 2009 until it no longer met the requirements for a pump," said Kelly.
With old 'Number 2' out of commission, that left the department with only two viable fire engines to service the community in need.
Out of 600 entries from across the United States, the Owens Cross Roads story was chosen as one of seven finalists.
The fire chief could hardly believe it when he received the phone call from E-One telling him their story was a finalist.
"I told her, I said we are just a small community. Blink your eyes, and you've missed us," said Kelly. "And she said that is exactly what we're looking for is communities like y'all -- that we can help."
The department has 20 volunteer members and Kelly believes winning a new truck will be a great asset to their rural community.
"It gives us more water and obviously we can get there quicker with a new vehicle," explains Kelly.
But he also hopes the new truck will help the department continue the legacy of Robert Murray Maples.
"It would be a wonderful honor and then we'd dedicate it in his memory," said Kelly.
