THATCHER — The Thatcher Fire Department’s newest vehicle just became a little less expensive.
One month after the Town Council agreed to purchase a new wildland fire truck for $283,100, the Fire Department received a $100,000 grant for the truck from the Freeport Community Investment Fund.
“I’m pleased to report this is two years in a row. We’ve given $100,000 each year, for the last couple of years, to different programs here in the Town of Thatcher,” said Sean Wenham, Community Development manager for Freeport-McMoRan.
The new Rebel ATX brush truck will be used to fight wildland fires in the desert and other areas inaccessible by traditional fire engines.

– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
In 2023, the Freeport Community Investment Fund granted the town $100,000 to be used for lights for the new park at 8th Street and Reay Lane.
In 2024, the Freeport Community Investment Fund has donated more than $400,000 to various projects in Graham County, bringing the total to nearly $7 million invested in the Gila Valley since the program began in 2009.




