During the City Council meeting on Monday, October 28th, 2024, council members voted unanimously 5-0 to donate the 1994 Pierce Aerial Tower from the Rescue Fire Company to the South Side Volunteer Fire Department in Erwin, TN. The 1994 Pierce Aerial Tower was retired from service in June 2023 when it was replaced with a 2022 Pierce Mid-Mount Tower.

On October 23rd, 2024, the Rescue Fire Company Chiefs Office received a request from the South Side Volunteer Fire Department to donate the aerial tower to their department. Chief John Hilemon stated that “This truck would not only be a huge asset for our department but would be a welcome addition to our entire community”.

Erwin, TN is a town located in Unicoi County, situated in the Appalachian region and is part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area. Erwin is known for its scenic surroundings and is near the Nolichucky River, which offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and white-water rafting. The town has a rich history and is recognized for its railroad heritage and with its location makes it a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the region. On the morning of Friday, September 27th, all emergency service departments were notified to assist with the evacuation of the Unicoi County Hospital due to an immediate threat of flooding. During the evacuation, l personnel and efforts were overcome by life threating, flash flooding. This resulted in over 50 individuals, patients and staff, having to be rescued from the roof top of the hospital via multiple helicopters. Once the rescues and evacuations were complete, emergency personnel realized that all of their apparatus and equipment had been overcome within the flash flood waters. Currently these departments are still without the appropriate apparatus and equipment to respond to common dispatched incidents. Chief Hilemon stated that due to the flooding their department had a significant loss within their department when they lost their Rescue Truck and all of the equipment.

In the next few weeks, the logistics will be arranged for the transportation of the 1994 Pierce Aerial Tower to Eastern, TN. The retired apparatus proudly served the City of Cambridge for 29+ years. Any questions can be directed to the Rescue Fire Company Chiefs office via email at rfcchiefsoffice@choosecambridge.com.