(2/1) On January 7, members of the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company (WVRC) signed a formal contract to purchase a new rescue squad vehicle that will be ready for use by 2023 according to Chief Topper Cramer.

The WVRC officially voted to purchase the new Custom Pierce Velocity Rescue Squad vehicle at their general membership meeting on December 15, 2021. This decision was made after careful planning for the lifespan of the current rescue squad vehicle the company uses, which has been actively in use since its purchase in 2001. Rescue squad vehicles typically last 20-25 years, which will bring the current Pierce Heavy Rescue Squad vehicle up to 22 years of service by 2023.

The department's current Pierce Heavy Rescue Squad vehicle was purchased in 2001 and "served our community and surrounding area well for the past 20 years," Chief Cramer said. Rescue trucks are extremely versatile and used plenty in emergency services including vehicle extractions, fires, and EMS services, Topper said.

The contract, signed by WVRC President Cindy Cramer and Rodney Guessford from Atlantic Emergency Solutions, will push a payment and construction plan forward that will take place over the next 19 months. The cost of the new vehicle is $1,409,000, plus an additional $200,000 expected to add or update rescue equipment. Like with other rescue squad vehicles, the new Pierce Velocity Rescue Squad vehicle will be built to serve the community for the next 20 years.

The new vehicle will feature the latest in life-saving technology and designs, such as an all battery operated Amkus Tool System with multiple spreaders and cutters that can be used on trucks and cars. A full complement of Paratech Rescue struts will also be included, which are used for stabilizing vehicles and managing construction accidents.

When asked what the community can expect to see from this new, state-of-the-art rescue squad vehicle, Chief Cramer described it as an all-purpose vehicle, capable of helping people in situations ranging from search and rescue missions to house fires and EMS calls.

Historically, Walkersville and the surrounding communities have benefitted from a local heavy rescue service since 1983. At that time, the first rescue squad vehicle, a Ford C-8000 cab with a walk-in design, was purchased for $75,000 through a State of Maryland low interest loan. The company was able to pay off the loan within 5 years. The current rescue squad vehicle cost $595,000 in 2001, also purchased and built by Atlantic Emergency Solutions, and was paid off early through support from both the community and volunteer membership.

The company has been generously supported by our community for every vehicle purchase since our inception in 1977. We are excited and very proud for the opportunity to once again provide state of the art resources to the community and gives thanks to the outstanding support provided by the community each and every year.

WVRC is looking to the Walkersville community to help fund the payment for this necessary purchase. The company’s annual door to door fundraiser is being currently conducted by "Volunteer Fundraising Dimensions," and will run through mid-March. Volunteers will always provide proper identification and wear masks while maintaining social distancing practices as they implore the community to continue their dedicated support of the WVRC.

More information about supporting the WVRC or becoming a volunteer can be found at www.wvrc24.com, or stopping by in-person at 73 West Frederick Street.