NEWFANE — The NewBrook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (NBFD) announces the launch of its 2013-14 annual fund drive, this year dedicated to overhauling one of the department's principal pieces of firefighting equipment.
NBFD's Pierce Saber pumper-tanker, designated 23-Engine 3, has been in service since 1996. Next spring, it will go to the Pierce factory, in Appleton, Wis., for refurbishment.
The truck, in excellent condition, is a good candidate for overhaul. Most of the work will be concentrated on upgrading the pumping and foam systems, the lights, and equipment storage compartments.
The factory's total cost estimate for the work on Engine 3 is about $135,000, which represents about a third of the cost of replacing the truck with a new vehicle. NBFD officers say they expect that the overhaul will prolong the service life of Engine 3 by at least 10-15 years.
NBFD has provided free fire and emergency medical response services in Newfane and Brookline and the West River Valley since 1948.
Though it receives financial donations from some of the towns it serves, most of its operating expenses, including large capital items such as the overhaul of Engine 3, must come from community fundraising.