Waxahachie Fire-Rescue has added a new blocker truck to its emergency response fleet, according to the City of Waxahachie.
The vehicle creates a protective barrier between responders and oncoming traffic. Firefighters, police officers, ambulance crews and wrecker drivers are covered. Positioned upstream of an emergency scene, the truck shields personnel and gives motorists an additional visual warning that an incident is ahead. The city said it is especially useful during highway emergencies, traffic collisions and vehicle fires.
The city said a blocker truck costs significantly less than a traditional fire apparatus and typically has a much shorter delivery timeline, allowing the department to put it into service quickly. Fire Chief Scott Safford called the truck an important investment in roadway safety.