The Churchill Volunteer Fire Department has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 to buy a replacement for its current pumper truck, which was built in 1969.
The department has already located a used pumper truck that fits their needs at a cost of $100,000. The one they have now is nearly twice the maximum recommended age for a pumper truck.
“Every time a fire alarm sounds in Churchill we need to be confident that our equipment is reliable,” said Deputy Chief E.J MacCuaig. “Although we are a small community, during certain months of the year we can have 10,000 visitors, which means the potential for large-scale emergencies and we need to be ready to respond to big city situations. The Town of Churchill and our volunteers are fully committed to our department, but given the unique challenges of firefighting in Churchill, we are calling on the public for their support.”
As of Dec. 9, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $1,650 through 10 donations in one day.
Pumper trucks have a 25-year expiry date, the CVFD says, and the one they have is older than all but one of their department’s 22 members, none of whom are paid for providing fire and rescue services for the 800-person town known for its large population of polar bears. As many as 3,000 people may be in town during peak polar bear viewing season.
It isn’t possible for the department to purchase a new pumper truck, which would cost anywhere from $400,000 to more than $1 million. The one they hope to purchase would serve the town for many years, while it is no longer cost effective to continue repairing the 1969 model.
“Every donation will make a difference,” says MacCuaig.
To donate to the campaign, go to Help Replace Our 1969 Fire Truck at https://www.gofundme.com/3b5nbs9w.
