
Joplin Globe
Webb City Fire Chief Jess Gordon and his assistant, Goss Blanchard, stand with pride by their department’s new rescue van in 1968.
Old News
From the 3rd floor
of the Webb City Public Library
of the Webb City Public Library
Sale of ’39 fire truck helped purchase rescue vehicle for WCFD in 1968
- Webb City Area Genealogical Society
- March 15, 2023
Webb City Fire Chief Jess Gordon and his assistant, Goss Blanchard, called the Joplin Globe in 1968 to show off the department’s new van.
The van was purchased by the city for use as both an emergency rescue unit and a code enforcement truck. It was purchased and equipped with money obtained from the sale of a 1939 fire truck, which had not been used for some time.
The new vehicle was equipped with an oxygen unit and other emergency equipment.

Bishir photo
This is the 1939 fire truck that was seldom-used when it was sold to purchase the new van.