Weogufka VFD counting its blessings
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The Weogufka Volunteer Fire Department recently acquired a pumper truck, donated by McCalla Fire District to assist the department in its loss of its pumper truck following a wreck. Photo submitted
The Weogufka Volunteer Fire Department received a second fire engine, this one donated by Limestone VFD of Moundsville, W.V. Photo submitted
Weogufka VFD recently received various equipment donated by two fire departments in Jefferson County to assist the local department in replacing equipment lost during a recent wreck. Photo submitted
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
The Weogufka Volunteer Fire Department is counting its blessings as a moment of crisis has turned into a show of support by surrounding departments.
As reported last month, the local department lost its only fire engine, or pumper truck, and its equipment during a single-vehicle crash. Because of the significant loss for the volunteer department, Weogufka VFD reached out for support to help offset the expenses it was facing.
In addition to plans of increasing its fundraising efforts, the department set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses for the department’s insurance deductibles, gear and truck recovery. The department also accepts donations through its website, weogufkafire.org, and all donations are tax deductible.
Since then, the Weogufka department has been blessed with generous donations from other fire departments outside of the county, stepping in during their time of need to help fellow first responders, including the donation of two fire engines and some equipment.
On February 27, Weogufka VFD was pleased to announce that it had received a generous donation of a pumper truck from McCalla Fire District in Jefferson County.
Weogufka Fire Chief Kevin Rogers worked diligently to restore normal operations, and the department also credited firefighter and paramedic Shane Caton in facilitating the connection with McCalla Fire District, stating the acquisition would not have been possible without his invaluable assistance.
Weogufka VFD expressed its gratitude to Canton for his efforts and to Fire Chief David Jayne of McCalla Fire for his part in facilitating the donation.
Before the truck can be placed into service, it has to undergo a thorough outfitting process, and some mechanical issues need to be addressed.
The blessings didn’t stop there, however. The department was presented with an opportunity to acquire a second truck from out of state and worked on the logistics of that transfer.
At 4 a.m. last Thursday, March 5, Chief Rogers and Assistant Chief Stephen Lowery received the second truck donated to their department, an act of generosity all the way from Limestone VFD in Moundsville, W.V. Weogufka VFD hopes to have that truck in service by next week if all goes well, as it is mechanically sound.
The department extended its gratitude to Limestone for its kindness and support, describing the recent blessings as “a testament to the power of community and divine providence.”
Weogufka VFD said that although the trucks are used, they will serve the department’s immediate needs and enable it to better serve the community.
However, the department’s long-term goal is to acquire a new fire truck, which will require a lengthy process that could take up to two years to complete.
Weogufka VFD is now focused on preparing the two trucks for service, enabling the department to make a greater impact in its community.
In addition to the two trucks, this week the Weogufka department collected 1,200 feet of fire hose, face masks and air packs generously donated by Brookside Fire Department in Jefferson County. The department also received three ladders donated by McCalla Fire Department in Jefferson County.
Weogufka expressed its gratitude for the support of surrounding departments during this challenging time, helping the department get through its crisis and loss of equipment. The department also expresses its appreciation to all the individuals who have made donations to the department in recent weeks to help support its immediate needs.
Like many others, Weogufka VFD is also in need of volunteers for a variety of roles. The department encourages interested individuals to reach out or attend a meeting to apply to volunteer.
“We appreciate the unwavering support of everyone who has contributed financially and emotionally to our rebuilding efforts, a true reflection of the human spirit,” Weogufka VFD stated. “The rapidity of our recovery since the accident has exceeded our expectations, a shining example of hope and resilience.”
