'Big Blow': Wellston Fire Department loses $55k state grant to purchase new truck

WELLSTON, Okla. (KFOR) — A rural fire department is struggling as it prepares for wildfire season.

The Wellston Fire Department worked around the clock last year responding to wildfires; unfortunately, not all of their equipment made it.

"We blew a motor in a truck, and so that truck, you know, was catastrophic failure," said Chief Todd Beesley, Wellston Fire Department.

In an effort to replace equipment like that, Oklahoma lawmakers set aside nearly $7 million for a grant program specifically for rural fire departments.

The Wellston Fire Department applied and even got a letter saying they were selected and were being awarded $55,000.

"When we have these big wildfires, you need everything that you can get," said Chief Beesley.

But a few weeks later, Chief Beesley said that money was