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Current equipment - 1990 Dodge Truck -
Proposed new equipment
The extreme heat and drought this summer has brought many issues with it. It has put a huge strain on our community resources.
Nowhere has this been as evident as the strain it has put on our local San Saba Volunteer Fire Department. These volunteers have worked tirelessly, battling fires in our city and county as well as surrounding counties.
They take time away from their jobs and businesses to go fight fires, many times working through the night, monitoring fires to make sure they do not flare back up. In many cases, they are using equipment that has been stretched far beyond its economic life and its intended capacity. Most importantly, these volunteers do all this for the good of all in this community.
During the recent Chase Pecan fire, they raced to the scene, evacuated nearby residents, did their best to avoid toxic black smoke from burning plastics and stayed onsite with the fire throughout the night and most of the following day. Much of the equipment they had at their disposal either needs to be replaced or requires material repairs. Simply said, it is worn out!
It is time for each of us to show our gratitude to our Volunteer Fire Department!
Our SSVFD is in dire need of a new truck. They are still using an old 1990 Dodge Truck as one of their brush trucks. So, they have taken a leap of faith and placed an order for a new truck. The new truck, including a skid unit, water tank and pump is estimated at $130,000.
The truck will be purchased first, then the rear mounted skid unit will be next and finally some customizing will be needed. It will take several months to get all this operational.
Here is where we as a community can help!
An anonymous donor has come forward and has offered to match every contribution towards this cause, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $15,000. In addition, our Community Foundation has pledged to support up to an additional $10,000 in matching funds. So, October will be MATCH MONTH!
That means your tax-deductible contribution, no matter how large or small will go twice as far. Your contributions can be made anytime during the month of October. The donor has set October 31st as a deadline for the match. On that date, our match donors will come forward to match the funds received!
Our firefighters will have a steak supper later this fall. Those funds raised are used for maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment after the wildfire season. But this is never enough to utilize for the purchase of a new truck. Currently, with the drought and the hot summer days, they are still out fighting fires! Therefore, The Community Foundation of San Saba County has offered to serve as a conduit for your contributions. There are two ways you can contribute.
• First of all, you can mail your check to: The Community Foundation of San Saba County Attention: Becky Whitley P.O. Box 331 San Saba, TX 76877 (Be sure and designate that your gift is for San Saba Volunteer Fire Department)
• OR You can go online and make a contribution. The URL for the SSVFD 2023 Match Month Website is: https://ssvfd23. givesmart.com.
The Foundation will work to gather the donations, secure the match and forward the total funds raised to the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department.
We hope you sincerely consider this request and show your support for our community firefighters!
By Clay Nettleship Board President San Saba Community Foundation