Sharon fire department nears fundraising goal for new tanker

SHARON — A campaign that began last fall seeking to replace the fire department’s old engine and tanker vehicle at a cost of $575,000, has recently been awarded a matching grant by the Low Road Foundation.

“We’re going to make it,” said Fire Department Treasurer Kim Hohlfeld, during an interview on Saturday, June 11, indicating that between the foundation’s matching grant that will augment personal donations from individuals and a fall fundraising event being planned, the goal should be fulfilled. But it depends on the community’s generosity.

Slated for replacement is the department’s 32-year old tanker, known as Engine 3. The Ford L9000 Ranger with a capacity of 2,100 gallons was purchased in 199l. However, maintenance costs are significant, Hohlfeld noted.

The new engine/tanker offers a 3,000-gallon capacity, Hohlfeld said. Rural fires are often complicated by water supply, she noted, as firefighters need to look for nearby ponds or waterways.

Emphasizing the past generosity shown by residents to benefit the all-volunteer fire department, Holhfeld said that the current goal within the matching grant is to draw members of the community to engage with the campaign. Sharon remains one of the few departments in the area to function as an unpaid non-profit organization. With staffing shortages affecting other area towns, mutual aid calls from those towns’ emergency departments are becoming more frequent, Hohlfeld noted.

To participate in the matching grant campaign, checks should be payable to Sharon Fire Department, Inc., including a note to direct the donation toward the matching grant. Donations can be mailed to Sharon Fire Department, P. O. Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069.  To donate on-line, go to www.sharonfiredept.org.

This fall a fundraising wine-tasting event is planned to be held on Saturday, Sept. 24.