Need transportation? Win this brush truck

It's ideal for off roading, sturdy for hauling and tinted a jolly bumble bee yellow.

And for $5, this firefighting gem could be yours.

Spirit Lake Fire Protection District is upgrading to a new brush truck, and instead of putting its 40-year-old truck out to pasture, the district is raffling the beauty off.

"It's too nice a vehicle to just let sit out," said district Chief John DeBernardi.

The 1968 International brush truck can be obtained with a $5 raffle ticket, only 2,000 of which will be sold.

Interest is already high, the chief said.

"People just need to come out and buy tickets," he said. "I'm sure they'd be proud to be the owner."

Firefighters have relied on the vehicle since the '70s, DeBernardi said.

It's no jalopy. The one-ton, 4X4 truck has less than 10,000 miles, he said.

"It still runs like a watch," he said.

The district is upgrading, he explained, because modern brush trucks have better technology, gas mileage and carrying weight, all of which will expedite the district's mission.

"We've had this truck for years, and we're upgrading the fleet slowly," DeBernardi explained. "It's something that we're just growing out of."

There are plenty of uses for the old girl, he added, which has a clean and polished exterior.

Previously used to battle flames in wild lands, its four-wheel drive has proven itself reliable, he said.

The sturdy bed in back would be ideal for hauling, he added.

"It would be a good work truck," he said.

Folks could also just get creative, as the truck comes equipped with pump, water tank, 100 feet of 1-inch hose, 100 feet of half-inch hose, and hose nozzle.

Raffle tickets are available at the district office at 32182 North Sixth Ave., Spirit Lake, or call to have a ticket mailed.

Individuals must be 18 to purchase a ticket.

The winner will be announced at 4 p.m. July 4 in the Big Park in Spirit Lake, during the city's Fourth of July celebration.

The winner doesn't need to be present.

For more information, call the district, 623-5800.

Proceeds will go toward outfitting and purchasing a new brush truck for the district.

DeBernardi couldn't say just how much the brush truck is worth.

"It's kind of a nostalgic type vehicle of that year," he said. "I don't know if you can put a price on a vehicle like that."