Ohio Dept. Donates Truck to Storm-Torn Community

March 09--When disaster strikes it brings out the charitable nature of people. Such is the case when a tornado destroyed an Otway Fire Department building and seriously damaging a response vehicle.

The Scioto County Emergency Management Agency worked through the Ohio Emergency Operation Center and found a small fire department in Auglaize County willing to donate a pumper tanker to the Otway Fire Department.

Kim Carver, Scioto County EMA director, linked Otway Fire Department with officials in Auglaize County, and before the day was done, plans were made for local firefighters to go to Uniopolis Fire Department to pick up a 1983 pumper tanker truck that will fill a void in response capability for the Otway Volunteer Fire Department. The truck was picked up Wednesday and is fully operational now.

"Just one day after the building collapsed on the department's 1982 engine, Rush Township Volunteer Fire Department delivered a loaner truck to Otway to assist in their firefighting efforts until a permanent replacement could be secured," Carver said. "But thanks to the generosity of a small fire department in northwestern Ohio, a permanent replacement has been secured sooner than anticipated."

Otway Fire Chief Rick Gambill said he has been amazed at the help his department has received since a tornado blew the walls out of the brick building used by his department for equipment storage.

"It's shocking really," Gambill said. "I never expected the outpouring that we're getting. It has given me renewed faith in the people in the surrounding communities. It is really wonderful. We've got a great bunch of people at the surrounding departments. They've been excellent. Peebles, Rush, Union, Morgan, Rarden -- anything that I have said that I needed, they've been right here for us."

Gambill said firefighters from across Ohio and as far away as Pittsburgh, Pa., have called asking how they might help in some small way. There will also be other local fundraising events to help fund future equipment purchases.

"The tornado hit Friday night. Saturday was supposed to be our chili cook-off, so we will be rescheduling that April 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.," Gambill said. "This Saturday (March 10) from 8 a.m. until noon, there will be a pancake breakfast at the Minford Fire Department. Edgewood Manor of Lucasville is doing us a chicken noodle dinner from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on March 14. Cost is $6 a plate. All proceeds are coming to us."

Gambill said the donation of a truck goes beyond what anyone could imagine. Gambill said his he is proud of the work his men have performed in the wake of the storm and said he appreciates more than words can say all the support that has been given in the days since the storms moved through. Gambill said his department will return the goodwill and pay it forward when another department is in need.

As for now, "We are patiently waiting on insurance, and then we'll start rebuilding," Gambill said. "We're going to be all over that as quickly as we can."

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at [email protected].

Copyright 2012 - Portsmouth Daily Times, Ohio