Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department recently acquired a high water truck through a Mississippi Forestry Department grant.

Pine Grove Chief Steve Seal said, “with the help of our state representatives and senate” the department was able to purchase the high water truck.

Emergency Management Agency Director Danny Manley said during Hurricane Isaac his office had to depend on the state to provide high water trucks in the county and swift water technical teams to evacuate people from flooded areas. He said now the county has a high water truck for future situations. Though swift water training has taken place in the county, no local swift water technical teams have formed here, he said.

The high water truck is able to carry a large number of people or supplies through six feet of water.

Seal said Pine Grove firefighter, Charles Hopkins did all of the paint work and found the materials needed to equip the vehicle. He said the truck has cost the department only $2,200, which included the paint job given the truck by Hopkins.

Along with the high water truck, the department acquired two Chevrolet Trail Blazers for rapid response calls.

Seal said the high water truck is for use anywhere in the county and also across the state and nation if needed.

Seal said the truck has been named “Big Craig,” in honor of former firefighter Craig West, who was about 6 feet 4 inches tall.

Seal said the new trucks wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Hopkins and Morgan Roper at Roper Supply.

“With all the commitments that these guys have, to church and to family, they still take the time to volunteer for the fire department, but also put in the time needed to acquire these tools,” Manley said.