ReeseVFC Engine benefiting Fulton, Kentucky

My name is Kati Townsley and I serve as the Chair of the Board and Public Information Officer of the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company located in Westminster, Maryland.

 

During our Company meeting last night the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company (Reese VFC) made a unanimous decision to donate retired Engine 92 to the Fulton County Fire & Rescue (FCFR) in Fulton, Kentucky - a small fire company that was recently destroyed by a tornado--- BUT we need your help to make this donation happen!

 

We have established the Reese VFC Engine 92 for Fulton County Fire & Rescue, Fulton, Kentucky "Little Engine that Could” Fundraising Campaign to assist with this donation.

 

 

 

As you may be aware, Fulton County Fire & Rescue (formerly Cayce Volunteer FD) was devastated by the tornado that ripped through southwestern Kentucky on Friday, December 10th. Their entire fire department structure was ripped to shreds, leaving only crinkled steel and mangled apparatus in the wake of the tornado.  All of the equipment and four fire trucks were a complete loss, but thankfully none of the firefighters were injured, though two of them lost their homes.

 

 

 

 

 

“With their building and apparatus destroyed, we wanted to help our brothers and sisters to the south” stated Reese VFC Chief Ken Hyde. The former Reese VFC Engine 92 is a 2000 Ferrara Inferno Custom Pumper with a 1,000-gallon tank and less than 45,000 miles on it… “it still has a lot of life left in it, but due to NFPA Standards, we can no longer utilize it in the State of Maryland-  it makes perfect sense to donate it to Fulton County Fire & Rescue, who can use it,- especially in a time of great need.” Hyde said.

 

We have been in communication with Fulton County Fire & Rescue Chief Wade Adams, to learn more about their fire department how Reese VFC could help. This is what we know-

 

Fulton County Fire & Rescue is approximately 35 miles southwest of Mayfield (KY) and serves a rural community of approximately 1,500 residents in southwestern Kentucky. The company has 23 volunteers who provide emergency support services to the surrounding community. Fortunately fire crews in neighboring counties have stepped up to the plate to help cover the area and loan the department equipment however they (FCFR) have no resources left of their own.

 

Chief Adams has expressed emense gratitude for the support of their community, the state of Kentucky, and the entire country. “It has really changed this community, the outpouring of love, from people we don’t even know," Adams said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is important to note, that while Fulton County Fire & Rescue is a County Fire Department, it is not funded by the County, so Reese VFC is trying to pack the engine with donated Fire/Rescue supplies, (hose, tools, appliances, etc.) in addition to assist their community with items of necessity.

 

Your monetary donation will help with the transport of the engine  to Kentucky and remaining funds will be donated to Futlon County Fire & Rescue to assist them in their recovery and rebuild- meaning that they will make an impact, not only locally, but in Fulton, KY as well.

Donations can be made via check made payable to Reese VFC  and mailed to1745 Baltimore Blvd.  Westminster, MD 21157 or electronically via this GoFundMe established specifically for this purpose.  If mailing a check, please be sure to note that it is for the "Fulton Co. Engine Donation"!

 

Thank you in advance for your contributions to this cause that means so much to all of us at Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company AND to the community served by Fulton County Fire & Rescue in Fulton, KY.

 

For further information please contact Reese VFC Chief Ken Hyde or Chair of the Board/ PIO Kati Townsley via our Facebook page .