PA Firefighters Donate Gear to Flood-Ravaged Kentucky Departments

When volunteer firefighters in rural Pennsylvania learned that flooding in Kentucky had wiped out fire stations leaving many communities vulnerable, they responded and rallied to donate equipment, tools and supplies.

“I was just overwhelmed at the response we had from departments in the area. I couldn’t believe it,” said Palisades Regional Fire Rescue Chief Bill Shick said.

After learning of the dire situation from local chiefs in Kentucky, Shick reached out on social media asking that companies donate surplus equipment. That was last Monday.

As the hoses, SCBAs, air packs, tools, turnout gear and other equipment started rolling in on Tuesday at the Ottsville fire station, Shick said the tanker was moved outside to make room. Within two days, three bays were full of donations not apparatus.

The massive collection came not only from Pennsylvania fire companies in Bucks, Montgomery and Lehigh counties and Hunterdon, NJ, local businesses and residents contributed as well.

One company sent about 75 fire extinguishers, another donated metal bins that firefighters packed with items to keep them secure during the trip. Forklifts were loaned to load pallets, things were shrink wrapped and tarped thanks to another business. Although they hit rain during their trip, everything arrived dry.

Some residents dropped off cases of water, toiletries and cleaning supplies. A huge pallet of diapers also was donated.

As volunteers loaded four trailers, a local restaurant sent pizzas. “That’s what communities do. Everyone comes together…” the chief noted. At 4 a.m. Friday, the convoy of vehicles towing trailers headed south.

“Through contacts I made in Kentucky, I wanted to make sure the things were going directly to firefighters. I wasn’t going to unload it in a regional collection site. It wasn’t going to a warehouse,” Shick said. “It had to go into firefighters’ hands.”

And, that’s just what happened. His contact in Kentucky reached out to firefighters and coordinated the rendezvous at a fire station parking lot.

Shick said he was grateful and humbled as he watched the firefighters go through the many boxes and crates. “They truly appreciated everything…”

He witnessed camaraderie. “A guy would find a chain saw, and call out to someone, saying they know he needed it.”

They hauled the stuff away in the back of trucks as well as the backseats of cars. “They were so appreciative of everything…”

Firefighters from two departments weren’t able to make it to the site because they were attending funerals. But, Shick said there’s still plenty of equipment for them.

Equipment, tools, hoses and other implements are being stored at a nearby regional training center. “Firefighters at Hazard Fire Company were very gracious and helpful. We were going to find a motel and get something to eat before we headed back. They invited us to stay at the station.”

After about four hours of sleep, they hit the road, arriving back at the station about 4 p.m. Saturday.

“I’m just glad we could be the conduit to help collect, sort and deliver what they need. I know how long it can take waiting for insurance, state and FEMA assistance.”

Shick said he’s still overwhelmed by the amount of gear collected in just three days. “I can’t thank everyone enough.”