| After 24 years of service to the Independent Fire Company in Mt. Kisco, NY, engine 105, a 1989 Pierce Lance pumper, has gone on to a new home. With the recent purchase of its replacement, we had a decision to be made on what to do with the 1989 Pierce. This discussion goes back to when we first decided to replace the pumper about two years ago. After our annual fire department parade in 2012, a former member who always attends our parades came to our firehouse. The former member, Bob Molhenbrok, was a member of the Independents for 20 years before moving upstate to the Catskills. He brought along the Chief Jason Wayman of his current department, the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department, in Livingstonville, NY, and their wives. After speaking with them and talking of the new engine soon to be ordered by us, the talk shifted to the August 2011 hurricane, Irene.
Upon hearing of the devastation and the financial hardships that Hurricane Irene caused to them, we started to think of ways we could help. Not long after, we received a letter from Jason with pictures of the hurricane and its aftermath. In his letter he explained how what little savings they had saved was used up to cover costs that insurance did not cover. Unable to do any fundraising events for some time due to the fact their fundraising hall was destroyed, this would delay their thoughts on replacing their current frontline pumper, a 1980 Saulsbury front mount pumper. After discussion on whether to sell our old engine or possibly donate it to a company in need, a motion was made to sell our engine for $1.00 to the Town of Broom Volunteer Fire Department and it was unanimously passed. Not only was it the right thing to do, it was the only thing to do, in our minds. We know they will get years of service out of it until they can raise enough money to replace it one day. The engine served us well and we hope it continues on for them.
I have attached some pictures of the devastation of Irene in Livingstonville, NY. Also, there are some pictures of the day they came down to pick up their new engine on Saturday, August 10, 2013. |
