Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey – In November, the Municipality of Princeton proudly donated one of its surplus fire trucks, the 1999 Pierce Dash, to Banner Elk Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Banner Elk, North Carolina, to aid in their recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurrican Helene.

The truck, a 1999 Pierce pumper with a 75-foot aerial waterway, provides the mountainous town of Banner Elk with critical firefighting capabilities, particularly in hard-to-reach or elevated areas. “This truck fills a critical gap for us,” said Banner Elk Fire Chief Tyler Burr. “It gives us the ability to reach those who need us most when it matters most.”

Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September, caused severe flooding and wind damage across North Carolina, leaving small mountain towns like Banner Elk isolated and placing immense pressure on predominantly volunteer fire departments. Despite these challenges, Banner Elk’s firefighters worked tirelessly to protect their community. “I cannot say enough about what our residents have done for their community,” said Burr. “To see young volunteers stay behind during an evacuation, saving lives under harsh conditions, was extraordinary.”

Initially, the Municipality of Princeton planned to sell the truck through GovDeals, an online marketplace for government surplus items. However, when Princeton Fire Chief Adam Kooker saw the impact of the hurricane in North Carolina, he proposed donating it instead.

“When we saw the need, we knew we could make a meaningful difference,” said Kooker. GovDeals facilitated the donation process, quickly matching Banner Elk’s need with Princeton’s surplus vehicle, and covered the shipping costs to ensure prompt delivery.

In addition to enhancing emergency response, the new fire truck is expected to bring financial relief to Banner Elk residents. "This truck will have a huge impact the next time we rate for insurance,” explained Banner Elk Assistant Fire Chief Will Treen. “It’s not only going to help with firefighting capabilities and performance, but also the taxpayers, business owners, and homeowners. It’s a win for the entire community.”

Princeton Mayor Mark Freda emphasized the broader significance of the donation. “In times of crisis, we stand with those in need. This donation is an example of the strength of communities helping each other.”