New Tower Pushed into Emmitsburg, MD, Fire Station by Firefighters, Citizens
EMMITSBURG, MD – Unique.
That’s the only way to describe Tower 6, the pride and joy of the Vigilant Hose Company.
Two things make their 2023 Pierce Enforcer different—it was fully paid for months ago and there’s a special graphic on the pedestal that features a bingo card, a six of hearts card and a pull tab.
The serial number on the tab is the cost of the rig—$1.5 million.
“How does a small-town volunteer fire department finance such a significant purchase? The answer is simple yet profound: through hard work, dedication and the unwavering support of our community,” Fire Chief Josh Brotherton told the crowd that showed up Monday night for the push-in ceremony.
He added that the support has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Tower 6 was dedicated to the citizens of Emmitsburg and surrounding communities.
“May it serve as a beacon of safety and security for generations to come,” Brotherton said.
Seven hours after it was placed in service, it responded to a call in Gettysburg, PA. Firefighters noted Tuesday that the first response for the previous rig also was in Gettysburg.
National Fire Academy Superintendent Eriks Gabliks lauded the department for its dedication.
He noted that the members and community should be proud of what they've accomplished calling it amazing. Gabliks said it was nice to see the number of generations of emergency personnel in attendance.
He also mentioned the number of babies, suggesting they may be participating in designing the next rig.
"I want you to know that all your hard work is appreciated," Gabliks said, adding his thanks for their overwhelming support for the National Fire Academy and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Mayor Frank Davis said he remembers the question posed 29 years ago when the department discussed getting a ladder truck: "Do we really need one?"
The answer was absolutely, he said, adding that residents have been worried about not having one in town for the past six months.
"Remember, this is your fire department. The Vigilant Hose Companny members run it for you," Davis said.
Former Chief Chad Umbel, who chaired the design committee, also thanked the community for their generous support.
He also credited the merger of the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company with the Vigilant Hose Company a few years ago for making the department as strong as it is.
The new Tower 6 doesn't have a tank or a pump like the previous one. Rescue tools have been placed on the rig.
Rodney Guessford, regional account manager for Atlantic Emergency Solutions, worked closely with Umbel and the committee as the tower was being built at the Appleton, WI, plant.
"Rare...I've never seen this in my life," he said of the department paying for the rig in advance.
"The community is very fortunate. They take pride in everything they do."
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
