Nov. 03--HOOVERSVILLE -- The fraternity of volunteer firefighters has always been apparent at local firemen's parades and games, but the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy illustrates the camaraderie's far-reaching benefits.
A pumper truck Hooversville Volunteer Fire Company hoped to sell for needed revenue is being donated to a hard-hit New York City area volunteer department.
"We have had it for sale for, probably, six months," Hooversville fire company President Richard B. Lohr said. "We had a few offers, but not as much as we thought it was worth."
Watching the East Coast disaster unfold this week inspired the Somerset County organization to reach out, Lohr said.
"After we saw the devastation, we realized all the money isn't worth anything," Lohr said. "If you can get somebody's life back to normal or help the fire service provide protection, that's more important than money."
Representatives from West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department in the Queens area of New York City will be in Hooversville this evening to pick up the 1981 Mack pumper, Lohr said.
The fire company lost all of its equipment in the storm, Lohr said.
Its station was located less than a mile from Jamaica Bay and just three blocks off an inlet canal. A record storm surge destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses near New York's waterways.
Copyright 2012 - The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
