Weogufka fire engine totaled in wreck

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By Christa Jennings
Senior staff writer

Weogufka Volunteer Fire Department has suffered a significant loss with its fire engine being totaled in a single-vehicle wreck Sunday.

Volunteer firefighter Sam Higginbotham was the driver and only occupant of the vehicle when he wrecked on County Road 41 near Palmer Road while responding to a call.

Higginbotham was reportedly ejected from the vehicle during the course of the wreck. He suffered minor injuries but was OK according to reports.

However, Weogufka’s volunteer department lost its only pumper truck in the process, as well as gear and auxiliary equipment on board.

Because of this significant loss, the department has started a GoFundMe to help offset expenses and is also seeking donations from the community and public at large to help get through this time.

The fire engine was deemed a total loss, and the fire department states that although it is insured, it has expenses with deductibles that have to be met, as well as replacing the equipment. While the insurance is expected to help lessen the financial burden, it will not cover all anticipated costs.

Currently the Weogufka VFD is only operating with a single rescue truck and brush truck. It is relying on surrounding departments to assist it until it gets through this difficult time and can replace its pumper truck, or fire engine.

In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, Weogufka VFD plans to increase its fundraising efforts in the community to help get it back up and fully running.

All donations are tax deductible, and funds donated will be used to cover the department’s insurance deductibles, gear and truck recovery.

Weogufka VFD’s GoFundMe can be found at https://gofund.me/795e08179. They have set a goal of $6,500.

The department’s website is weogufkafire.org, and the department does accept donations through a donation link on its site.

Donations can also be made via checks made payable to Weogufka Volunteer Fire Department and mailed to P.O. Box 275; Weogufka, AL 35183.

The Weogufka VFD asks for thoughts and prayers for firefighter Higginbotham and for the department during this time of recovery.