The Search for a Truck

The Hickory Valley Fire Department is nearly $60,000 shy of their goal needed to purchase a new fire truck.

The department currently has two fire trucks but only one of which is ready and available to go to fires.

“Our fire truck is 23 years old, and they’re supposed to be replaced every 15-20 years,” said Mike Vaughan, Fire Chief since 2016. “It’s time.”

At a town hall meeting in March of 2022, Vaughan let the town know what was going on. By April, the department had applied for a grant and received approval the following November, but the approved grant is not 100%.

“We received $327,000 from the grant,” explained Vaughan. “The truck itself is $410,000.”

In January, the department held a letter drive that raised close to $20,000, and then on July 15, they held a fish fry that raised an additional $11,000 as well as a $5,000 anonymous donation.

In all, nearly $40,000 has been raised, but that number is still a long way away from what is needed.

In a continued effort to reach their goal, the department is holding a yeti and gun raffle on September 16 at 3 p.m. at the Hickory Valley Fire Department, and there are plans underway to hold a Butt Sale fundraiser and silent auction on Saturday, October 28 from 10:30 to 2:00 p.m.

“We’re really appreciative to the people who have donated and helped us out,” said Vaughan. “We’re trying to up our services so we can protect the people of the community and surrounding areas better.”

Payment for the truck is due when the truck arrives which could take anywhere from one to three years, said Vaughan, but he is hopeful to raise the necessary funds within the next year as to be ready when the time comes.

Citizens can get raffle tickets for the current and upcoming fundraisers from any volunteer firefighter, and donations can be sent directly to the Hickory Valley Fire Department.

For more information, contact Mike Vaughan at 731-609-1775.