GATA Fire Department

Alumni purchase a 1970s fire truck for tailgating

Tailgaters may have noticed something new at this season’s home football games – the 1970 GMC fire truck parked near the water tower outside Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The truck belongs to alumni Jamey Cartee (’90) and John Lamar (’86), who decided to step up their tailgating a notch this year.

The pair thought about buying a bus, but snagged the fire truck when they spotted it for sale on eBay. With only 16,000 miles on it, the truck was in terrific shape, so they were able to drive it home to Statesboro from Jacksonville, Fla., last spring to get it ready in time for the first game.

The fire truck is labeled Engine No. 64 for the GATA Fire Department. Lamar wore number 64 when he played on the first football team under coach Erk Russell, and his son, Hunter – currently in his second year on the team — wears 64 now.

Cartee says the coolest thing about the truck is its different compartments that allow them to store chairs, tables and other must-have items that make tailgating so enjoyable. The standout feature is probably the top deck, where fellow tailgaters love to have their picture taken.

Article by Sandra Bennett

TOP TAILGATERS Charlene Lamar (’90) and Dawn Cartee (’90) pose on the upper deck of the fire truck.

DECKED OUT Storage space for fire hoses was replaced with a tongue-and-groove pine floor.