Contributing writer
The Florence Fire Department unveiled its newest fire truck, a 2012 Ford, Sunday at its annual pancake feed.
“Every year the Fire Department puts on a pancake feed, and the proceeds go to new equipment and things such as the new truck,” Florence Fire Chief Mark Slater said. “This event is what keeps the department moving up.”
The new truck holds 300 gallons of water and will now be the first truck out on any call. The department utilized a used water tank and air packs to keep the purchase cost to a minimum. The truck sports a brand new decal for both sides.
“I saw this decal at a fire chiefs’ conference and really liked it. So we had a guy that does that customize it and change a few things. Everyone seems to really like how it turned out,” Slater said.
The pancake feed was from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and more than 100 people came and went throughout Sunday morning, conversing with neighbors and buzzing about the overall excitement of the new truck.
Florence City Council member Trayce Warner was pleased with the turnout.
“The pancake eaters usually come in spurts, but there are always at least a few people here eating a pancake,” said Warner, whose husband, Mike Warner, is a volunteer firefighter. “We have the early morning rush, the before-church rush, followed by the after-church crowd, so it works out good and never gets too jammed up.”
Slater handed out certificates thanking people involved in helping the department attain its goal of purchasing the truck.
“I want to thank my firefighters, they are a great bunch of guys, and their families for letting them be a part of this. A thanks also goes out to the community for being so supportive, Fairplay Township and Kevin Force, for helping us construct the bed,” Slater said.