La Vergne Donates Heavy Rescue Truck to Church Hill Rescue Squad
LA VERGNE, Tenn. – La Vergne has officially transferred a heavy rescue truck to the all-volunteer Church Hill Rescue Squad, accompanied by two four-inch binders of maintenance records and a signed title. This donation, approved by the Board, ensures that essential equipment continues to be utilized, enhancing rescue capabilities for rope, water, trench, and confined-space rescues across Hawkins County and its partners. Hawkins County is situated in upper East Tennessee, near Kingsport and along the Virginia state border.
Truck History
The heavy rescue vehicle was originally acquired in 2018 from a department near Chicago. After undergoing refitting, it was put into service in La Vergne in 2019 and served the community until 2022 when it was designated for reserve status.
Statements from Battalion Chief
“We’re proud to see it go to a place where it will be actively used and make a significant impact,” said Battalion Chief Patrick Hood. He emphasized that the transfer of the equipment keeps it operational rather than idle and allows the volunteer agency to greatly improve its capabilities.
Personal Reflections
“While I’m sad to see it go, I’m happy it’s heading to an organization that truly needs it,” added Hood, who frequently drove the truck during its active service in La Vergne.
New Destination
The truck’s new location is approximately four hours away in Hawkins County. Chief Tim Coup, Deputy Chief Hunter Jones, Lt. Elijah Needham, and Alex Kinney, a rescue technician and K-9 handler, were present to pick it up for the Church Hill Rescue Squad.
Gratitude from Church Hill Rescue Squad
“We’re a fully volunteer, nonprofit agency operating on a tight budget each year,” stated Jones. “Without La Vergne’s generous donation of this truck, we wouldn’t have had the chance to acquire such an important piece of equipment. We are incredibly lucky and grateful for this support.”
Impact on the Community
The Church Hill Rescue Squad operates in the eastern half of Hawkins County and provides technical rescue services to neighboring counties through mutual aid. Their current 1992 International heavy rescue vehicle has considerable mileage and wear.
“This new truck will enhance our older rescue unit and provide us with a reliable vehicle for performing rope, water, trench, and confined-space rescues,” noted Jones. “It will greatly improve our ability to serve not just our community, but also the surrounding counties that rely on us.”
Transfer Process
During the handover, La Vergne firefighters guided Church Hill members on the truck’s equipment and maintenance history before completing the transfer with the vehicle title and the two binders of service records.
For further details about the La Vergne Fire Department, visit LaVergneTN.gov or follow them on Facebook.
