Background
In September 2024, a local fire department in Princeton, New Jersey was preparing a 1999 Pierce Dash / 75' Snozzle Squirt fire truck for sale as part of their normal surplus process. During this same period, Hurricane Helene was causing widespread devastation across the southeastern coastal states, particularly impacting North Carolina. The fire department, moved by the images and videos of the hurricane's impact, felt a strong sense of solidarity and decided to explore options for donating the fire truck to support the recovery efforts.
Finding and Selecting Banner Elk
Upon learning about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Princeton Fire Chief Adam Kooker reassessed the department's plans. Recognizing the urgent need for firefighting equipment in the affected areas, Chief Kooker proposed donating the truck instead of selling it.
The team at GovDeals offered to assist in finding a town in need of a fire truck to support relief efforts. Banner Elk, a small town in western North Carolina, was identified within a week by the local GovDeals team as it had been severely affected by the storm.
GovDeals stepped in to facilitate the transport of the apparatus. The donation process began in early October, right after Hurricane Helene, and was completed by the end of November.
The truck is a 1999 Pierce Pumper with a 75-foot aerial waterway. It has the unique ability to operate as an engine, allowing it to deliver water to difficult-to-reach or elevated areas when needed—a function that normally only a ladder truck could perform.
Impact
This act of generosity by the Princeton Fire Department brought significant relief to Banner Elk, showcasing the power of community and solidarity in times of crisis. The quick and efficient coordination between the fire departments and GovDeals ensured that the truck was delivered to Banner Elk promptly, providing much-needed relief to their community.
Assistant Fire Chief Will Treen mentioned that the new fire truck would not only boost firefighting capabilities but also improve the town's insurance ratings, potentially saving money for taxpayers, business owners, and homeowners. The truck's advanced features enable the department to respond more efficiently to emergencies, giving residents in the mountainous area a greater sense of safety.
"It's really more than just a win for us. It's a win for the entire community on a multifaceted level.”
- Banner Elk Assistant Chief Will Treen
Results
Liquidity Services has a philosophy of “doing well by doing good” and is proud to support the local communities served by its government marketplace, GovDeals. More than an online auction marketplace, GovDeals can also support donation and reallocation initiatives like this; learn more about GovDeals.
Watch the full story on The Banner Elk Fire Donation
