Andersonville VFD shows new Pierce pumper truck
Andersonville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ambrea Kroth stands be- side the department’s new Pierce fire pumper truck during the recent open house event at the department’s headquarters on Mountain Road. With her are fire captains Brian Kroth and Jeremy Sarden. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
It was one several pieces of up-to-date fire equipment on display beside the station on Mountain Road in Andersonville, in front of the elementary school, as the Andersonville department joined in an open house event for Anderson County volunteer fire departments.
Andersonville Fire Chief Ambrea Kroth said that about two-thirds of the cost of the new truck was paid for by Anderson County, but that the department had to take out a loan from a local credit union for the rest of the cost, and to pay for other items to equip the truck.
“We are going to be depending on the community to help with donations, as our budget has suddenly gotten very tight,” she said.
The department got a break, though, because it ordered the new truck more than a year ago when the price was still under $300,000.
“We heard from Pierce that this same truck now costs over $400,000,” Kroth said.
That’s what fire departments all over the country are facing now during the current economic climate as prices have risen significantly on almost everything. There are also delays in delivery of vehicles such as the new fire truck.
Kroth recently traveled to the Piece Pierce manufacturing plant in the Bradenton, Florida, area to inspect the truck, which has a 2,100-gallon water tank on board.
Other fire departments participating in the Oct. 1 open house event included Medford, Rocky Top and Marlow.
The Anderson County Rescue Squad brought its new rescue truck to display at the Andersonville Volunteer Fire Department’s Mountain Road station for the open house.