A couple of years ago, veteran firefighter H. Edward Ricks, 64, watched as Laurel firefighters in the midst of fighting a blaze were supplied with beverages and food from the back of a pickup truck. Ricks, of Laurel’s Emergency Services Commission, saw a need for a better means of supply.
After searching for a good deal and gaining the city’s confidence in the plan, Ricks negotiated the $35,000 purchase of a used 43-foot canteen truck from Anne Arundel County.
For this work, and his 48 years of service, Laurel Mayor Craig Moe recognized Ricks in a ceremony earlier this month.
So who drives the truck?
I’m the prime handler. I love to cook, too. There’s also a bathroom on the unit, which came in handy a few weeks ago when the police were dealing with a man who barricaded himself inside his home. Officers arriving from other jurisdictions in full riot gear were looking for a bathroom and were able to use one right on the scene. We also supplied them with ham-and-grilled-cheese sandwiches, coffee and hot chocolate.
Was the truck in good shape when you got it?
It had to pass city and health department inspections before we put it on the road. It needed some new plumbing, but it passed. In March we’re going to meet with Laurel hospital officials and discuss using the back of the truck for triage. There’s already space there, and in a major event, it’d be useful to get a doctor on board and give medical care in the field.
How did you become interested in firefighting?
I started when I was young. I have three brothers, and all four of us belonged to the fire department. My mom and dad had to deal with a lot of cold meals. When the alarm went off, all four of us would get up and go.
