Truck Fund Drive

The 2019 Truck Fund Drive is now underway.  Again this year, we are asking you to donate to our annual Truck Fund Drive to allow us to continue to provide high quality emergency services to your community.

 As a general guide, we ask that you donate 1/10 of one percent of the value of your home or business.  For example, if your property is valued at $250,000 – we ask that you donate $250.  If your home is valued at $80,000 – we ask that you donate $80.  We understand that not all families can afford to donate this percentage.  Rest assured, though, that ALL donations, of any amount, will be put to good use maintaining and updating our modern fleet of fire apparatus and firefighting equipment.  We appreciate all donations large and small!  Every penny helps.

   It is with great pride that our members serve their community.  Last year we responded to over 700 calls for assistance; a number which continues to grow each year.  As the number of calls increase, the available resources to fund our operations decrease.  Any volunteer fire department needs two vital assets to survive: funding and manpower.  We realize that, in this economic slump, some people are struggling to make ends meet, and giving to organizations is not a top priority at this time.  Despite this, please remember that our equipment fund is supported solely by donations from the citizens we serve.

 Without these donations, we would struggle to maintain a modern, technologically advanced fleet of fire apparatus and equipment.

 For us to continue to do our jobs, you must do yours.  This year, please make a conscious effort to give.  Last year, less than 15% of our residents contributed; a percentage that is alarming compared with our members, who give 100% to the community.  It is only with your financial support that the Department will be able to continue to provide quality service to our community.  As one of our supporters put it: “What if the fire department only responded to 15% of its calls?”

 Help us make this year the best fund drive ever!  We sincerely thank you for supporting your neighbors who are the Hermitage Fire Department.  As always, should you have any questions or concerns, or if either of us can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our thanks for your support,

We would like to take a moment to answer some questions that have come from our supporters in the past:

 Don’t we have a paid fire department?— The membership of the Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department is all volunteer.  Our members are not paid for their services, but volunteer out of a sense of pride and commitment without recieving a paycheck.  In reality, our members actually lose money – as some volunteers often miss work or spend their own money to buy equipment or attend training sessions.  Our fire fighters pride themselves on attaining the highest level of training.  Each year, our fire fighters respond in all kinds of weather conditions and at all hours of the day and night.

 Doesn’t the fire department only respond to fires?— The fire department provides much more than just fire protection.  Not only do we respond to fires, but we handle a vast array of incidents including vehicle rescue and hazardous materials releases.  Our members are trained to handle fires, vehicle rescues, confined space rescues, rope rescues, water rescues, and hazardous materials incidents.  In addition, the Department travels to elementary schools in the City each October to teach kids about fire safety and fire prevention.  The Department is prepared to answer any calls for help within the community.

 What is the money used for?— The donations generated as a result of this fund drive are deposited to a restricted Department account.  The monies are eligible to be used ONLY to purchase and maintain fire apparatus.  This fundraising effort alone allows the Department to maintain a modern fleet of firefighting apparatus.  Pictures of the new units can be found in the Gallery.