Help save the 'Super Sting': Holcomb's fire chief seeks aide in keeping the city's 1963 water tanker

The "Super Sting," Holcomb's 5,000 gallon tanker truck, is on the verge of being scrapped due to a bad drive shaft. Staff photo by George Anderson [Click to enlarge]

The "Super Sting," a 1963 Ford 5,000 gallon water tanker truck which supplies assistance for fires not only in Holcomb, but also in surrounding areas, faces a repair that, according to Holcomb Fire Chief Jarrell Riddle, the mayor says the city cannot afford.

"It's going to cost between $500 and $1,000 to get it fixed," Riddle said. "The mayor said the city doesn't have the money to fix it."

According to Riddle, after a recent fire, he was driving the tanker home when the drive shaft went out.

"We got the truck about eight or nine years ago," Riddle said.

"[Kennett Fire Chief] John Mallot had taken [Kennett's ladder truck] back to Lebanon, Mo., to have it worked on. He found this truck up there. He said, 'If you don't get it, I'll try to get it for Kennett but I'd rather you get it because you're central'."

Since that time, the HFD has assisted several surrounding communities with the "Sting."

It has responded to fires in Malden, Mo.; Clarkton, Mo.; Campbell, Mo.; White Oak, Mo.; Kennett, Mo.; and several other areas. It was even called to assist at Caruthersville, Mo., following the tornado in 2006.

Three years ago, Holcomb received a new 1,000 gallon truck on a FEMA grant.

"You'll run out of water with that new truck just as quick as you would with one of [the old 500 gallon trucks]."

If Holcomb is able to keep the "Sting," they will have 6,000 gallons of water to assist with fires.

According to Riddle, without the "Sting," it would hinder the HFD's ability to put out fires efficiently, before major damage is done.

At a recent house fire at Frisbee, Mo., the KFD had already responded but were gone to get more water when the HFD arrived. Holcomb immediately made their 5,000 gallons available and the fire was extinguished before major damage was done to the neighbor's home, according to Riddle.

Riddle is asking for the support of area citizens to help save the "Super Sting."

"If anybody could see to donate some money to help with the [repair] bill, it would be greatly appreciated," Riddle said.

For more information or to make a donation, call Jarrell Riddle at (573) 792-3843.