The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District’s oldest active fire apparatus is the 1973 Jeep CJ-5 that we use to extinguish brush fires. It is housed in Station 1 on Lake Road. The reason this vehicle is still in active service (and could possibly be the oldest active fire truck in Monroe County) is due to the loving care provided by the volunteers who man it. In the 46 years of service it has provided to North West Monroe County, the Jeep has had several renovations and upgrades. The latest of these just wrapped up April 30, 2019. The most significant change was the removal of the metal water tank and replacing it with a polymer tank. This new tank was custom made to fit the Jeep and included a hose bed, added compartments for the chainsaw and hand held Class A foam unit. The light weight forestry hose was moved from under the roof tarp to the new hose bed. By removing the metal tank and two hose reels it is estimated the Jeep is at least 300 pounds lighter. This will make the vehicle track better and make it even “lighter on its feet” which will allow it to go into situations where heavier trucks couldn’t go.