Elk City, OK – The Elk City Fire Department will soon be able to replace a 43-year-old tanker truck thanks to a grant worth approximately $500,000.

Elk City Mayor Micah Kilhoffer discussed the award during a recent interview, explaining that Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka and the department have been pursuing the grant for nearly 20 years without success until now.

The funding will allow the department to replace a tanker truck dating back to 1983, providing firefighters with updated equipment for emergency response.

Kilhoffer emphasized the wear and tear fire trucks experience, particularly when carrying heavy loads of water.

While residents may see fire trucks parked at the station or participating in local parades, the mayor said the demands placed on those vehicles during emergencies are considerable.

He noted that replacing the aging tanker will be a significant improvement for the department, especially given the high cost of firefighting equipment.

The grant represents a long-awaited investment in the city's emergency response capabilities and will help ensure Elk City firefighters have reliable equipment to serve the community.

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