The Culver-Union Township Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in obtaining funding for an aerial platform fire truck.
A letter submitted by Fire Chief Terry Wakefield explains the need for the fire truck as the current fleet is incapable of assisting with rescues from buildings that are more than two stories tall. He says aerial trucks have an advantage of giving firefighters the ability to safely rescue victims from two and three story homes, fight structure fires from above, and pump water down on a fire from a safer location.
The cost of the trucks are anywhere from $850,000 to $1.2 million. The aerial fire truck that Wakefield believes would be the best fit for the department is $1 million. It would replace a 1993 pumper truck. Wakefield hopes to make the transaction in 2019.
Wakefield also comments that Union Township officials and Culver town officials usually budget around $300,000 for the replacement of a fire truck every five years. They will be adding to that amount to help in this quest, but it won’t be enough to cover the total cost of this particular truck.
To help bridge the gap, the Culver-Union Township Fire Department is asking for pledges to determine the feasibility of the purchase. Wakefield notes that charitable contributions to governmental units are tax-deductible as long as they are for public purpose.
For more information, or to donate, call 574-842-3140.
Photo taken from townofculver.org.
