New ATV in service for Oneida Valley VFD, engine coming
OAKLAND TWP — The Oneida Valley Volunteer Fire Department soon will be equipped with a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and fire engine.
The ATV, which was recently put into service, is slightly larger than a golf cart and uses a basket to carry patients over rough terrain.
According to fire chief Gary Wulff, the ATV already has been used to help the department carry victims from remote locations.
“The vehicle can fit a driver, EMT and medic and comes with extra lighting, so if an incident happens at night, they can be working on the victim,” he said. “We’ve used it for someone stuck way back off the road into the woods.”
The vehicle also has been used to fight brush fires, Wulff said.
“Without the (patient) basket, it can fit up to four firefighters,” he said.
The ATV was purchased using a grant from the Pennsylvania State Fire and EMS grant program.
According to Daniel Lewis, former fire chief and member of the Oneida Valley department, the engine in use is from 1999. The department has been saving for a new one since then.
The engine cost $646,000 and was purchased with the help of donations and money raised through fundraisers.
Wulff said even with the purchase of a new engine, they will be saving money for the next replacement.
The current engine will be used as a rescue vehicle, he added.
“With the 1999 (engine), there’s nothing wrong with it. That’s why we’re not getting rid of it,” he said. “And we’ll be saving another 20 years for the next truck.”
Wulff said the department is grateful to those who donated and attended fundraisers to make purchasing the new engine a reality.
“Donations are up,” he said. “We wrote up that the new engine was on order, and donations are higher this year.”
A large portion of the engine funds came from breakfasts hosted by the department at its fire hall at 301 Oneida Valley Road. Wulff said they hope to have more breakfasts this fall.
In addition to those donating, Wulff said he is grateful for the slew of new members joining the department.
“We’re one of the lucky ones. We’ve had large interest from younger people,” he said. “We got two new members at our last meeting. We’re definitely appreciative. We’re not reaching out saying, ‘help us.’ We’re extending thanks.”
