Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

The Eddy County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 19 to approve a $478,000 budget adjustment that will allow the county to purchase a new ladder truck for Eddy County Fire and Rescue.

The change was requested by Fire and Rescue Chief Josh Mack, who said the ladder truck is needed to provide increased fire protection in the growing communities of Loving and Otis.

To accommodate the purchase, commissioners had to change a 2023 purchase order for two new fire engines. Mack said the vehicles were ordered based on needs for two staffed fire stations. Mack asked commissioners to change the order to substitute a 100-foot ladder truck for one of the vehicles included in the original order.

He said the truck offers more water capacity and could provide needed assistance to the Loving Municipal Schools (LMS).

“Because none of the schools in Loving have sprinkler systems, if we ever have anything significant, we’re going to need an elevated advantage,” Mack said. He said the unit will also aid in rescues by giving emergency personnel a better view of the scene.

Mack said the new unit will be custom made for Eddy County Fire and Rescue and should be ready for use in 2029.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.