The old truck was more than 20-years-old so the CFS Region 4 headquarters issued Andamooka a new one.

Andamooka CFS brigade captain Peter McCready said his favourite feature about the truck was the new occupational, health and safety equipment.

“This protects the fire fighters and ensures their safety when attending accidents and fires on callouts,” he said.

“There are many new features such as the truck is dual-cab where all the fire fighters can travel inside the truck.”

It has six new breathing apparatus face shields, new cab mounted water spray bars mounted to the roof and several other places.

“There are consul mounted water level indicators which can be monitored all the time by the driver to ensure the water level does not go below the safety margin.”

The crew wasted no time testing out the new truck.

“There has been a … course undertaken in Andamooka enabling participants to be up skilled in … familiarisation of all truck systems and on road skills.”

Mr McCready received the Country Fire Service Medal last Thursday for 15 years of service.

“I felt Humble but honoured to receive it on behalf of the Andamooka Community, also it is a medal I can hand down to my family.

“Belonging to the Country Fire Service is away caring for your community through community service.”