Fire Department’s annual fund drive Oct. 6-12
~ Press release provided by Luray Volunteer Fire Department
LURAY — The Luray Fire Department received its new Rescue Engine earlier this month. Two years ago, the department began building a rescue engine to replace their 1998 RD Murray Heavy Squad. Originally, the department worked with Atlantic Emergency Solutions and Pierce Manufacturing to spec a new unit. Inflation and rising costs of emergency equipment brought the cost of the truck in at a whopping $1.3 million new, with an approximate delivery time of 36 months.
Faced with a dilemma of needing to upgrade the squad and purchase new air-packs, the department decided to search for a used truck. After months of searching various truck brokers, the truck committee found a 2017 Pierce Rescue Engine located in Lancaster, Pa. Except for a few items, the truck was nearly what the committee was planning to have built new. The department voted to purchase the truck for $540,000. After paint, lettering, and upfitting with equipment mounts specific to our equipment, it provided the department with a cost savings of well over $500,000.
The Rescue Engine concept will allow the department to combine all the essential equipment of a heavy squad and integrate the capabilities of an engine for fighting fire when needed. This will also allow one piece of equipment to respond to certain calls, requiring only one driver, but having the tools and capabilities of two trucks. This will enhance our fire suppression and lifesaving capabilities for citizens of the community and visitors to the community alike.
The department’s heavy squad will be sold. It is currently listed on Govdeals.
The Luray Fire Department proudly remains 100-percent volunteer, answering over 350 emergency alarms each year. Funds for projects such as the new engine are raised by various fundraisers, such as a golf tournament, sportsman’s raffle, fair food booth, and annual fund drive.
The department’s annual fund drive will be held October 6-12.
“We thank the community for their continued support.”
All letters and envelopes requesting donations on our behalf,
will have the return address of 1 Firehouse Lane, Luray, Virginia 22835.
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An excellent example of fiscal responsibility and diligence any community would be proud of.