Several months ago, the membership of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department made the decision to look for another home for our aging 2001 Pierce Quantum Pumper fire truck. It had served us and the community well since it was purchased new, but with two newer fire engines to protect our citizens, it was not getting much use just sitting in our storage garage. That coupled with the rising cost of insurance and maintenance, it became apparent that it would be fiscally responsible to find another party whom the fire truck could benefit. We had discussed selling it, but ultimately decided that it would be more propitious if we found an organization that we could donate it to.
As if by fate, Todd Fletcher, a longtime member of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, was visiting family in West Virginia when he met a young man and in conversation it was discovered that both were volunteer firefighters. Todd ultimately found out more about the Slanesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, a relationship was easily formed, and the leadership of both corporations began corresponding. Shortly thereafter, the decision was made.
On April 1, 2023 several volunteers from the Beltsville Volunteer Firehouse made the trek from Beltsville, Maryland to Slanesville, West Virginia to deliver the 2001 Pierce Quantum Pumper fire truck to it’s new home. It will replace a 1989 International American Eagle Pumper fire truck, which could only carry 2 firefighters, as their primary fire response engine. The Quantum, which has a cab that seats up to 10 firefighters, will assist in providing better fire and rescue service to Slanesville and surrounding communities. The membership of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department will miss our “old wagon”, but hopes that the Slanesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company will get many more years of service from it.