Continued growth and development in Harvest bring increased demands on emergency services. To meet these demands and continue protecting the lives and property of current and future residents, the Harvest Volunteer Fire Department is working to acquire a new fire engine—a vital addition to our fleet that will strengthen our ability to respond quickly and effectively across our community.

Our current frontline engine, a 1996 model, has served our department and community for nearly many years. However, as a result of age and normal wear and tear, it has become increasingly unreliable—spending significant time, and money, out of service for repairs. While we’ve worked hard to maintain and extend its life, it’s clear that a replacement is now urgently needed to ensure consistent and effective emergency response.

A new engine offers critical advantages over used apparatus, including:

Modern safety features for both firefighters and the public
Greater reliability during emergency response
Reduced downtime and maintenance costs

In today’s market, the cost of new fire apparatus has skyrocketed. Just a few years ago, a new engine might have cost around $400,000. Now, that same engine can exceed $800,000 due to material costs and inflation. Despite this, our department’s budget has not kept pace with these rising costs. As a 100% volunteer organization, every dollar we spend must be carefully considered—and every dollar raised makes a difference.

In 2024 alone, the Harvest Volunteer Fire Department responded to over 2,100 emergency calls, placing us in the top 5% of volunteer fire departments nationwide by call volume. Yet we continue to operate without paid personnel, relying entirely on dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to keep our community safe.

Beyond response capabilities, a well-equipped engine also plays a critical role in improving our ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating, which directly affects homeowners’ insurance premiums—meaning a stronger department benefits every household and business we protect. A new engine enhances our operational readiness by ensuring we have dependable equipment available at all times, reducing the risk of mechanical failures during emergencies. It also improves firefighter safety with up-to-date features like enhanced lighting, modern fire protection equipment, and advanced crew protection—allowing our volunteers to do their jobs more safely and effectively.

We are currently seeking donations and community support to help us fund this important purchase. Every donation brings us one step closer to placing a new engine in service. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible and go directly toward improving public safety in Harvest.

New Truck Fund

By Harvest Volunteer Fire Department

New Truck Fund

Help us buy a truck!