Floydada VFD's ladder truck assisting Lockney VFD with a house fire on February 9, 2022 (Ryan Crowe/FCR)
FLOYDADA – Despite overwhelming support for the Floydada Volunteer Fire Department, Mayor Bobby Gilliland and members of the Floydada City Council decided to table a decision on setting a new mutual aid protocol for the department’s new ladder truck. The decision to table was based upon City Attorney Karen Houchin’s suggestion the city look into insurance information and previous operating procedures for the department.
The new truck has been called to assist at fires in Lockney and other surrounding communities since it was delivered to the department last fall. Chief Chad Guthrie wanted to clarify with city leaders how comfortable they were with the truck being used beyond Floyd County. “This being an expensive truck, how far outside of town can we go?” he asked the council.
Mayor Gilliland suggested the closer the truck stayed to the city, the better. “Keep it close” he said, adding his recommendation the department use the older truck for mutual aid calls first.
Houchin told the council her understanding was that based on insurance, one city truck was required to stay within city limits at all times. The department also operates vehicles that are designated for use across multiple parts of Floyd County.
“We do need to check into the insurance issue,” City Manager Darryl Gooch told the council before they determined to table the discussion.
Mayor Gilliland ended the discussion by telling Chief Guthrie “You’ve got the support of the council.”
Floydada’s next council meeting is set for April 19 at 6:30 p.m.
