Back in Service: Community individuals and businesses breathe life back into HFD tanker

Thanks to a generous outpouring of support from concerned citizens, McMahon's Auto and Diesel, and NAPA Auto and Tire, Holcomb Fire Chief Jarrell Riddle was able to get the 5,000 gallon "Super Sting" water tanker back in service. [Click to enlarge]

HOLCOMB, Mo. -- Concerned citizens, along with a generous showing by McMahon's Auto & Diesel and NAPA Auto Parts, both of Kennett, breathed life back into a very valuable piece of equipment for the Holcomb Fire Department.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Holcomb Fire Chief Jarrell Riddle traveled to Kennett to pick up the Holcomb Fire Department's "Super Sting," a 1963 Ford 5,000 gallon water tanker which supplies assistance for fires not only in Holcomb, but also in surrounding communities.

Riddle came forward in November 2008 to ask for help from the community in getting the tanker repaired. The repairs consisted of a newly constructed drive shaft and several new u-bolts.

Riddle received donations from Ameren UE, McCaul's Tire & Appliance, McDaniel Firestone, Frisbee Auto Sales, the Assembly of God Church of Holcomb, and several local individuals.

With help from the community, Riddle was able to raise $1,200 for the repair. The remainder of the bill was taken care of by NAPA Auto Parts and McMahon's Auto & Diesel, who also did the repair work.

When asked how he felt about the community coming to his aid, Riddle responded, "It made me cry. I couldn't believe people were that great. I just needed help and my neighbors came through in a pinch. There's a lot of good people in the world."

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

At a recent house fire at Frisbee, Mo., the Kennett Fire Department 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.

The "Super Sting" has responded to fires throughout the Missouri Bootheel region including Malden, Clarkton, Campbell, White Oak, Kennett and several other areas. It was even called to assist at Caruthersville, Mo., following the tornado in 2006.

"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," and with the help of the community, the "Sting" will live once more, providing assistance where needed.