Rescue 4 Donated to Versailles FD

Midtown - September 7, 2003 --- When the Versailles Volunteer Fire Company expressed an interest in purchasing our Rescue 4 - a 1976 Chevrolet/Pierce Mini-Pumper/Rescue - they had no idea they'd get an offer they couldn't refuse.

Versailles is a small volunteer fire company in Cattaraugus County near the border with Gowanda. They operate on very limited funding and respond to only a couple dozen emergency calls each year.

They wanted to see the vehicle before they put a bid on it, so Versailles Asst. Chief Joel Neu paid Evans Center a visit a few weeks ago.

Chief Dennis Allen showed him the truck and gave him the 50 cent tour of our Erie Road Station. The visitors were impressed by the truck and in awe of Evans Center's station and training center.

"Rescue 4 was our first rescue truck and it carried our first Hurst Tool - the 'Jaws of Life' for many years. The vehicle owed us nothing and served us well for over 25 years," said Chief Allen.

As a result of the meeting, Chief Allen was compelled to suggest to the membership that the truck be donated to Versailles rather than being sold to a commercial buyer.

At Evans Center's monthly business meeting on Tuesday - September 2, 2003 - the membership voted unanimously to do just that.

Chief Allen contacted Versailles Asst. Chief Neu and told him the truck was theirs - with one hitch. Neu had to go to his membership and break the bad news that Evans Center wouldn't just give them the vehicle - they would have to pay $1 for it.

Earlier today, Asst. Chief Neu and his son, Capt. Jeremy Neu made the trek to Evans Center to pick up the truck. Rescue 4 was washed, fueled and waiting for them when they arrived at the Erie Road Station.

The photos below show Chief Allen handing over the bill of sale and keys to the new proud owners from the Versailles Volunteer Fire Company.

PHOTOS BY: Tiger Schmittendorf/PIO