Marlinton Fire Department added a 2003 Spartan tanker engine to its fleet – and it has a bell. Pictured, l to r: EMS Captain Jennifer Miller Barlow, next generation fireman Tony Duncan and his dad, Assistant Fire Chief J. P. Duncan. Grayson Barlow is at the wheel. His dad, Fire Chief Herby Barlow, Firefighter Mike Miller and former firefighter and Grayson’s grandfather Tom Miller drove the tanker from Franklin, Michigan, to Marlinton last weekend. J. Graham photo

Jaynell Graham
Editor

Marlinton Fire Chief Herby Barlow, Firefighter Mike Miller and former Firefighter Tom Miller took a road trip to Franklin, Michigan, just north of Detroit, last Friday and returned home with a 2003 Spartan tanker engine for the fire department.

The red and black exterior is quite different from the fire trucks we’re used to seeing, but they didn’t buy the truck for its looks.

The 1,500 gallon capacity tanker, with its 1,500 gallon per minute pump, will replace the currently used 1986 model.

The tanker has a 450 Cummins motor with an Allison transmission, and has just 32,000 miles on it. And – it even has a bell.

“It’s a more user-friendly truck,” Assistant Fire Chief J. P. Duncan said. “With its shorter wheel base, it’s easier to maneuver. More personnel will be able to drive it.”

MFD purchased the tanker from the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department in Franklin, Michigan.

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