Fair Hills VFD raises money for brush truck

By John Miller, 04/11/22 4:18 PM

PRESCOTT  – Saturday was a day of fundraising in the Prescott area as three events were held Saturday morning.

One was the Master Gardener’s annual plant show and sale, another was a fundraiser for Matt and Rae Burgess at the Prescott Police Department, with the third at the Fair Hills Volunteer Fire Department to raise money to purchase a new brush truck.

Politicians were invited to come, bid on items in the silent auction and, if they wanted, to say a few words.

Joey Beavers, former Prescott Police Chief and current member of the VFD, said this was more an annual community cookout and silent auction, but the goal was to raise money for a new brush truck. The department is looking to buy a 2000 model 3/4 ton fully-equipped Dodge. The current brush truck is a 1989 model with an 800 gallon tank. Because of its size, it can’t get in tight places, which is why the department is looking to buy the Dodge. Once it’s bought, the plan is to add a sprayer to the front so fires in ditches can be more easily controlled and dealt with.

He said the department has already responded to several fires this year. Beavers pointed out the department recently purchased a new pumper truck. Members drove to Liberty Township in Pennsylvania to pick up the ’94 model International with a 1,000 gallon tank. This, he said, was done to help lower the department’s ISO rating which would result in lower insurance bills for area residents.

Visitors dined on hamburgers and hot dogs, along with snacks. They also had the opportunity to place their bids on items for the silent auction.