Earleigh Heights VFC Puts New Truck In Service

The Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company recently received a 1986 six-wheel-drive former military all-terrain truck. Volunteers are working to get the truck ready to be part of the response fleet.

“It’s a high-profile truck with very high clearance underneath and is capable of operating in deep snow or on flooded roadways,” said Captain Craig Blake, the project coordinator. “The motor sends power to all six wheels, so this thing can go places other trucks can’t go. This will give us access before roads are plowed or floodwaters recede.”

Blake said the fire company added important upgrades to the truck.

“It was Army green when we got it,” Blake said. “In addition to repainting it and installing brand-new tires, we’ve fitted it with emergency lights and access stairs so people can easily climb up into the back. We’re in the process of adding radios and refurbishing the 10-ton winch located in the front. It’s been a lot of work, but we’re really proud of it.”

Inspired by high-water flood response programs in Texas, where similar former-military trucks are deployed across the state, the new Earleigh Heights truck is designed to ford through floodwater up to 36 inches deep.

Earleigh Heights Chief Dave Crawford, who witnessed flooding in Texas firsthand while living there, highlighted the truck’s uniqueness in Anne Arundel County.

“It gives Earleigh Heights, Anne Arundel County, and the state of Maryland a valuable resource when there are extreme weather events,” Crawford explained. “The Maryland Department of Emergency Management added our truck to the state response plan for severe weather events. It can be called to support emergency teams across Maryland and on a regional and national level as well. It’s the first of its kind for the state of Maryland.”

Crawford appreciates serving such a supportive community.

“We couldn’t respond to the more than 250 emergency calls a month without wide support,” he said. “The donation of this vehicle is inspiring and helps us help the entire community. Everyone can support the important Earleigh Heights mission. Join us for bingo Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Bring your family to our carnival. Or send a donation in honor of a loved one.”

Visit www.ehvfc.org for more information about the new truck and volunteer opportunities.