Polkville VFD dedicates Tanker 24

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Bobby Floyd and Logan Clark were given the honors of washing down Tanker 24 from the old tanker it is replacing. | Chuck Thompson

POLKVILLE — Polkville residents and the volunteer fire department had a lot to be thankful for this weekend, as they dedicated a new 3,000 gallon water tanker truck, Tanker 24.

After 42 months, or about three and a half years of waiting on the arrival of the new tanker, Polkville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Todd McMurry kicked off the dedication ‘Push In’ ceremony with a few remarks, thanking the members, the department board, residents and local elected officials, such as NC House Rep. Kelly Hastings, along with Former Speaker of the NC House Tim Moore and NC Senator Ted Alexander for making Tanker 24 possible. Hastings was able to help secure $250,000 for the purchase of the tanker truck through local appropriation.

“It was an honor to work with then-Speaker Moore and (NC) Senator Ted Alexander to help get money for this much needed truck," said Hastings.

Like many fire departments, Polkville’s new tanker was customized to better serve their local environment, as Chief McMurry explained, “We had to have a lot of water. We wanted to have the drop tanks on the side for our area because we don’t have access to water everywhere. We have to take our water with us.”

The newer truck will improve service that can reduce insurance costs for the community it serves.

The older truck Tanker 24 is replacing will go to serve the Hollis community in Rutherford County.

“A truck is only as good as the people riding on it,” McMurry said during the opening comments, praising the Polkville Fire Department’s members.  

Polkville VFD Chief Todd McMurry addresses the crowd at the dedication ceremony for Tanker 24, on Aug. 30, 2026. | Chuck Thompson

The ceremony then moved to the washing of the new truck by using the old truck to wash it off; a symbolism of passing on the responsibility from one truck to another.

This part of the dedication was conducted by the current longest serving member Bobby Floyd and the newest member of the department, Logan Clark.

County Commissioner front-runner candidate Wayne King and Commissioner Tony Berry were present for the dedication.

(Tanker 24 continued below...)

From left, NC Rep. Paul Scott -111., Wayne King, Commissioner Tony Berry and NV House Rep. Kelly Hastings - 110 gather for a photo after participating in the drying off portion of the ceremony, Aug. 30, 2026. | Chuck Thompson

“I’m glad to be here to support the fire service members of all of Cleveland County. These men and women do a great job for our community of protecting the residents, as do the brave firefighters here in Polkville,” noted King. “I’m thankful to be here to help celebrate this milestone here in Polkville.”

Commissioner Berry added, “These guys did a great job and I am happy to be here today to see our communities moving forward with something to protect our citizens, to take care of our citizens and for the brave men and women of the Polkville Fire Department.”

Everyone in attendance grabbed a rag to dry off Tanker 24. Following a group photo of all those in attendance, the Push In followed and a closing prayer was delivered by NC House Rep. Paul Scott.

Polkville Volunteer Fire Department is located in Polkville, NC. It was established in 1961 and serves the citizens of Cleveland County & the Hollis Community of Rutherford County.

Group photo of those in attendance for the Push In ceremony, Aug. 30, 3026. | Chuck Thompson

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

The Shelby Independent.