Brookside Engine Company Fundraising For New SUV

MENDHAM, NJ — The Brookside Engine Company is trying to raise $35,000 to replace its SUV incident command unit, now that the current one has "significantly deteriorated."

The fire company first got the incident command unit, a Ford Excursion SUV, in 2015. The car is used to respond to emergencies that might not need a full fire truck, or to check out alarms before a truck comes.

"It played an important role in responding to emergencies in hazardous weather such as the Nor’ Easter’s of 2018. It has also helped us respond to major incidents such as the Pitney Estate fire and the Kings shopping center fire. In addition, the use of four-wheel drive enabled us to be able to go off road and locate a resident who went missing in the middle of the night, in a heavily wooded area of the township. Moreover, fast assessment of false alarms or 'culinary mishaps' avoids wear and tear and risk of rolling our larger equipment unnecessarily," Fire Chief Nick Witczak wrote in an appeal.

In the past year, the condition of the SUV has deteriorated, and is in need of replacement. The company is looking to fundraise the $35,000 cost.

"Your donation to our fire company for this vehicle purchase will help save lives and protect property," Witczak wrote.

The Brookside Engine Company is a 501(c)3 charitable organization; donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be made out to "The Brookside Engine Company No. 1,PO Box 196, Brookside NJ 07926", with "New Command Vehicle Fund" in the notes line. You can also donate online by visiting their website.