TERLTON, Okla. — A local volunteer fire department is hoping Pawnee County residents will vote in favor of a sales tax that will benefit their fire station. The sales tax is on the ballot in Pawnee County for the upcoming Nov. 8 General Election, and the proposed tax increase is less than 3/4 of one penny.

Fire Chief of North 48 Fire Station Keith Buntin in Terlton, Okla. calls it literal life-saving money.

Buntin said between all the donated vehicles from state forestry services, fire departments or excess military stock, many of the doors don’t open properly.

The truck that holds the most water for firefighters is from 1967, but it’s currently out of service due to issues with the brakes.

This tanker is one of many trucks that are too warned down for firefighters to get the most out of them.

“I think they have had it since the beginning of the fire station here, and it has been leaking diesel on calls, rear seals are out on it. It will be $8,000 to get back in service. Which is almost the whole budget when we are looking at $1,100 a month in donations,” Buntin said.

The coats volunteer firefighters wear is a little newer compared to their other equipment. Buntin said his newest coat is from 2018, but most of the others are from the early 1990s. He also said these coats shouldn’t be used after 10 years.

He is asking the people of Pawnee County to vote for the sales tax proposal to help his firefighters.

“We are looking at $2,000-$3,000 a month per department, which would be lifesaving,” Buntin said.

He said the sales tax would help every single volunteer fire department in the county. Out of 170 firefighters, there are only seven paid positions. The money could help with both equipment and personnel.

“We have two grass rigs in service now, and a third one being fixed,” he said. “We can preserve life long enough until our Mutual Aid gets there.”

He is asking voters say yes this November.

“You are asking them to go into a house with equipment that is not safe,” he said. “We are not going to buy brand new stuff. It will still be used but reliable.”

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