Yuma fire vehicles donated to Tacna, Wellton

The Yuma City Council recently approved a donation of two Yuma Fire Department vehicles deemed as surplus to east county communities.

The transfer of vehicles, with an estimated value of $8,000 each, was approved on Sept. 5, to be delivered to Tacna and Wellton. Both communities had expressed interest in adding the retired vehicles to their fleet.

Tacna received a 1989 Pierce Arrow fire engine to improve its service to the outlying community of Dome Valley and east Yuma County.

Wellton received a 1986 GMC C-70 to be used as a supply truck for emergency calls.

“Prior to the donation, these vehicles spent years as reserve equipment and have been replaced with other vehicles,” stated city officials. “However, they had outlived their usefulness for YFD as a result of age and maintenance cost.”

Dennis Light, city of Yuma assistant fire chief, said the donations will provide residents of the two east county communities with additional emergency response capabilities.

“The goodwill that is cultivated by this donation is the greatest benefit,” said Light. “It pays dividends as the city of Yuma strives to build added interoperability between all Yuma community fire agencies.”

“The donation will allow us to provide better service to our community of east Yuma County,” said Tacna Fire Chief Joe Rivera. “Thank you to the city of Yuma for the donation. Our department appreciates it, and the people who live in east Yuma County appreciate it.”

“This rescue truck will allow us to respond to motor vehicle collisions and medical calls to assist Tri-Valley EMS (emergency medical services),” said Wellton Fire Chief Mark Rivera. “Prior to the donation, the town of Wellton did not have a rescue truck due to decline in revenue. Thank you to Yuma Fire Department Chief Jack McArthur and the Yuma City Council for their approval of the donation.”