WEST, Texas — The West Volunteer Fire Department has received a donation of a fire truck from fellow firefighters after one of their vehicles were lost in last month’s fertilizer plant blast.
CBSDFW reported that firefighters at the Berywn, Pennsylvania, Fire Company were devastated by news of the explosion at West that left 15 dead and hundreds injured. Firefighters at the Berywn Fire Company wanted to figure out a way to help.
“It’s our oldest piece of fire apparatus here,” Berwyn Assistant Chief Eamon Brazunas said. “Previous to this disaster happening we already ordered its replacement and it’s due in early fall.”
An official in Berwyn said the fire truck is in good shape and was going to be retired to a training facility, according to the report.
“Based on the extraordinary circumstances down there we thought it would be better used and prudent to get it down to Texas to help these guys get back on their feet,” Brazunas told CBSDFW.
“Even if they can just use this truck for a year, it’s worth it to us. We need to look out for each other. It was a no-brainer for us to do this.”
The fire truck left the Berwyn Fire Company on a trailer semi Wednesday afternoon and is headed to the Payne Springs, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department, according to the report.
The truck should arrive by Friday and workers there will complete the final prep work before the gift is delivered to the City of West in a few weeks, according to the report.
“Whether you’re a fire-responder or not, when you can do these things it’s just nice to do it,” Brazunas told CBSDFW. “Again, our hearts are with West and the people of Texas as they continue to recover from this thing.”