Plains donates new truck to Loraine VFD fleet

The residents of eastern Mitchell County can sleep a bit easier knowing they are a bit safer thanks to Plains All American Pipeline, LP.

Only weeks after the Mitchell County Commissioners Court voted to help the Loraine Volunteer Fire Department repair a broken a fire truck, Plains All American Pipeline did one better – they donated a 3500 HD Chevrolet Quad Cab pickup to the department. The donation, Plains’ District Manager Eric Holland said, helps make the county safer, as well as show its commitment to emergency responders.

“At Plains, we are committed to safe and responsible operations. As part of the commitment, we assist organizations such as volunteer fire departments who donate their time to keep their communities safe,” said Eric Holland. “We are grateful and proud of our employees and community members who volunteer, and this donation is just one of the ways that we can show support for these local heroes.”

The plan to donate the vehicle to the LVFD actually began months ago when Eric Wooddell, a Plains employee who also serves on the fire department, suggested to management at the Plains Colorado City Basin location that it would be great idea to donate a truck that wasn’t being used to the LVFD.

That suggestion paid dividends for the Loraine department last Wednesday when Holland and several Plains employees delivered the truck to members to LVFD Fire Chief Doyle “Shady” Mitchell and the members of the department.

“We are so thankful and grateful for Plains All American Pipeline, LP for the truck,” said Mitchell, who was worked for more than 40 years with the department. “We will outfit the truck to become the first quick response vehicle. There will be a small water tank and Jaw of Life will be carried on it. It will be ideal for grass fires that are started by trucks and trains, and a first response vehicle to accidents to see exactly what equipment we need to bring to the accident site.”

Mitchell said the donation couldn’t have come at a better time, especially since the LVFD’s first response is currently being repaired.

“It comes at a great time of need in the department,” he said. “Our other truck we used to first response is down with a blown motor and is in the shop right now getting a motor put in.”