By Vrittee Sobti | January 1, 2025 (Updated June 10, 2025)
Erwin, Tennessee, a town engulfed by Hurricane Helene's flooding in September 2024, is still actively in the process of recovery. Businesses have worked to rebuild and reopen, residents still grapple with the emotional aftermath of the storm — which caused five fatalities, however, the fire company is back in business.
Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 (MTVFC2), NJ, had provided support by donating a firetruck, after the Erwin fire company lost two expensive trucks when the Nolichucky River flooded its banks as a result of excessive rains.
From left, MTVFC No. 2 Chief Engineer Justin Kabis with Firefighter Dave VanDoren and members of the Erwin Fire Department in front of the newly donated truck parked outside the firehouse in Erwin, TN.
On Nov. 15, two Montgomery Township volunteer firefighters drove one of its excess fire trucks to Tennessee and provided hands-on training to Erwin’s crew for two days. Erwin Fire Chief Jason Harris told The Montgomery News about the harrowing scenes of the floodwaters rising faster than anyone could anticipate.
“One crew was tasked with evacuating the housing authority, while another went to evacuate the local hospital,” he said. When the second crew arrived at the hospital, the water levels had reached dangerous heights. With the roads impassable, boats were brought in to help, but even they were quickly overwhelmed by debris. In the end, helicopters were needed to rescue people from the hospital’s rooftop.
Erwin’s fire department lost two trucks and significant equipment, valued at around $2 million, and the local police and emergency services also suffered substantial losses. Upon learning of Erwin’s dire need for fire equipment, Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 (MTVFC2) saw an opportunity to help.
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Montgomery Fire Chief Adam Verducci said he was in the process of replacing one of the MTVFC2 fire trucks, an E-ONE Bronto Skylift fire truck. The fire company typically replaces its trucks every 20 years and tries to sell its older vehicles when possible.
“The used market is finicky,” Verducci said. “Trucks aren’t worth that much after 20 years, compared to what we paid for them new.”
Furthermore, the specific truck being replaced was an aerial truck with an articulating boom, a mechanical arm allowing flexible movement and access to high or difficult-to-reach areas.
“It’s not a common truck,” said Chief Verducci.
The Erin Fire Company recently used the truck donated by Montgomery Township to help their parks and recreation department to replace pole toppers at the Erin veterans memorial park. (Photo from Town of Erwin Facebook page.)
While Montgomery’s replacement truck was being completed, Chief Verducci connected with a representative from America’s First Responders Foundation, who linked him with Erwin Fire Chief Harris.
MTVFC2 faced the challenge of balancing its responsibility to taxpayers to ensure funds were spent wisely with its commitment to the brotherhood of firefighters and answering the call to assist others in urgent need.
“Because of the financial situation we were in, we felt it was better to donate it to a department that really needed it. Their trucks [in Erwin] were literally underwater. We were fortunate we were able to do that,” said Chief Verducci.
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Due to the Bronto Skylift’s design, the firefighters needed specialized training to safely operate the 100-foot aerial truck, which differed significantly from regular fire trucks.
“Aerial [trucks] have a lot of small nuances, and our guys made sure [the Erwin fire department] knew its capabilities...It’s a unique fire truck...so it may be a bit different for them, but I hope it serves them for many years,” said Chief Verducci.
Erwin Fire Chief Harris expressed his gratitude for the donation. “The truck will be really useful [for] the town and the whole county, as far as reaching places that we never could have reached before. The town of Erwin would really like to thank Montgomery Township for donating this truck to us. We really appreciate it.” ■
Interested in volunteering? Come to Station 46, 529 Rt. 518, in Blawenburg on any Wednesday night at 7 pm. Meet some great people, get a tour, and ask questions. Or, email membership@MTVFC2.com. ■
