By Stephen Smoot
Christmas came early for the South Fork Volunteer Fire Department this year. Last Thursday evening, they took delivery of a new tanker to augment the capabilities of their fleet.
A number of first responders came out under a bright starry sky and mild temperatures to check out the new equipment. Jeff Bowers, SFVFD president, explained that the new vehicle “has everything essential to protect the county and property,” without extra “bells and whistles” that add to the price, but do not enhance function.
It featured light up digital gauges and extra LED running lights for better visibility. Roy Bowers, chief of SFVFD, explained that it also includes pump stations on the rear and on the side, as well as a side mounted portable tank. He also noted that one could “replace two trucks with it if you have to.”
The vehicle has more height, but less length, enabling it to better navigate back roads and driveways with unpredictable twists, turns, and obstacles.
Also, “We needed something more reliable because all our trucks are getting age on them,” Roy Bowers said.
Jeff Bowers praised the support of the community, which was vital in helping to secure the tanker. He said, “The fall letter drive is a big help. The annual lawn party is too.” He went on to say that food fundraisers played a key role as well.
“Community support is real big,” he explained.
Also crucial in helping to raise funds is the countless hours of time spent by firefighters and the auxiliary. Without volunteers, the food and fun events that raise the money cannot take place.
Even with community support, the SFVFD had to successfully apply for a grant to cover what fundraising could not.
Obtaining a new tanker helps to bolster the capability of Pendleton County as a whole, since major events usually require more than one department’s response. Jeff Bowers noted that Fort Seybert has a tanker that was new in 1990. Chief Bowers added that “the oldest pumper is in Sugar Grove” and it dates back to the years of the Richard Nixon presidency.
Jeff Bowers lamented that “things have just become so very expensive.” The next major goal for the department lies in obtaining a new fire engine. “Those are really expensive,” he said, going on to mention that “it’s close to $1 million for an engine.”
