A group of 26 homebuilders collectively donated $100,000 to a volunteer fire department in Maury County, Tennessee, to pay for a new fire truck. According to stacker.com, Maury County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. A population boom means there is a greater need for fire vehicles to respond to calls. Maury County Fire Department Station 12 – Carters Creek – serves a rapidly growing area in the county. Squad 12 will serve as a quick attack/rapid response vehicle. It will allow volunteer firefighters to arrive on-scene quickly and reduce wear-and-tear on full size fire apparatus. Station 12 also has an E-One pumper and a Heile tanker.

About the Truck

The funds allowed the department to build the truck to fit its specific needs. Department leadership determined a 4WD vehicle capable of addressing woods and field fires, transporting personnel and equipment, and responding to incidents in rural areas was needed. The department purchased a 2022 4-door, 4WD Ford F-550 chassis, a 14-foot Reading Utility body, Wheelen CENCOM emergency lighting equipment package, HMA high pressure skid mounted pump and tank, and limited equipment. American Emergency Response Training, where Station 12 Lt. Chris Allen serves as director of sales, donated tools and completed the equipment mounting work, free of charge.

On October 17, the county commission will vote on whether to match the homebuilders' donation to pay for additional equipment and upfitting. District Chief Peder Jensen said the funding would cover the cost of things like self-contained breathing apparatus, spare tanks, extrication equipment, and a thermal imaging camera.

All 26 homebuilders that made the donation build properties in Maury County.

"We are honored to support Maury County Fire Department and the difference they make in our community," said David McGowan, president of Regent Homes. "This builder challenge showcases the generosity of the local home building community. Our employees are encouraged to be active in their communities and we thank District Chief Jensen for creating this challenge.”