Answering the call
Members of the Carmichaels Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department prepare a mass mailing for residents to request financial support.
A fundraising effort continues to pay off the balance of the Pierce fire truck purchased in February by Carmichaels Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department. From left are fire chief Jim Higgins, first assistant chief Mike Riggen and president Craig Baily.
CARMICHAELS – Members of Carmichaels Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Department spent Wednesday evening stuffing envelopes at the fire hall.
It is the second mailing by Company 65 to help offset the costs of new equipment, including its 2013 Pierce Sabre pumper truck that arrived in February.
As the Pierce truck was already in production when it was ordered, the department received a savings of $160,000 off the current sticker price of $540,000, according to department president Craig Baily.
“Because of the donations we received from the township, the borough and community members, we were able to pay $300,000 down,” said Baily. “We borrowed the other $80,000.”
The letter sent out this week said the fire company remains financially strong.
“Because of our size and commitment in providing the most advanced equipment in firefighting, our current annual budget is approximately $200,000,” it reads. “As always, we still rely on our community-supported fundraising activities to fund our general budget.”
With the help of the community, Baily said the company believes the loan on the balance for the new truck will be paid off in a timely manner.
A special feature of the new truck will allow the firefighters to use less water with an onboard foam/water mixture.
The truck seats eight firefighters and provides ample storage space for their equipment.
Company members said they are proud of the design and versatility of the Pierce and know it will service the needs of the community and surrounding areas for many years to come.
The King Coal Show, bingos, Fox Pizza fundraisers and winning the Michaels Auto Facebook contest for favorite local fire departments all played a part in the fundraising efforts.