Would it surprise you to learn that more than half of all firefighters in the United States are volunteers?  65% of the total estimated 1,041,200 firefighters across the country, 676,900 are volunteer.  In rural America, that number climbs to near 100%.  These volunteers juggle full time work while constantly being on call for any fire emergency.  They are all too often underfunded, undertrained, and undermanned while using outdated equipment.

Fortunately for the residents of Oneida County, while we may be served by rural fire departments, their hard work has helped them have the manpower, training, funding, and equipment they need to serve in any situation.  

In the past, the Holbrook/Stone Volunteer Fire Department has leaned heavily on the aid of other fire departments to bring crucial firefighting equipment in the event of a fire.  While they had the basic hardware to get things started, they just didn’t have everything they needed.  For years they have had a sort of wish list of tools and gear that would have them set up to fight any sort of fire.

Their biggest hurdle to acquiring the equipment has always been funding.  That was until 2023 when they were awarded a large grant from Stotz Equipment with the purpose of getting their department fully equipped.  “We are grateful for Stotz’s generosity.  They have done a lot to serve our fire department which will help us better serve our community,” shared members of the Holbrook/Stone fire department.

With the grant funding, the rural firefighters were able to purchase collapsible ladders, portable fire extinguishing foamers, pike poles, roof rakes, palaskies, wildland drip cans, sledge hammer, and large K12 fire-rescue saw.  They have updated and supplemented both their structure and wildland hose as well as new nozzles.  To finish outfitting their trucks they have purchased new light bars, new LED flashlights, and coolers for each rig.

Each firefighter was given a new gear bag in an attempt to ensure that their personal gear was better organized and ready for use in the event of a call out.  They were also equipped with new structure hoods, helmet flashlights, and reflective vests.  

In addition to the grant from Stotz Equipment, the Holbrook/Stone fire department has also received some crucial gear and tools from the Oneida County Fire District including a motorized ventilation fan, a TIC thermal imaging camera, 8 new digital radios, and PPEs to outfit 3 new firemen.  

“We are set up to face any fire emergency now from start to finish,” Holbrook/Stone firefighters shared.  “With new equipment and the capacity to haul 10,000 gallons of water, we are ready!”  With a high fire potential due to the hot weather and dry conditions, it’s not a moment too soon for the rural department to receive the much needed assistance through Stotz Equipment and the Oneida County Fire District.