Sometimes, a challenge sparks a creative solution. Appomattox Volunteer Fire Chief Jonathan Garrett presented the Board of Supervisors with such a proposal Monday night, offering a forward-thinking plan for the department’s outgoing ladder truck that could benefit not just Appomattox, but our neighbors in Concord, too.

As the AVFD eagerly anticipates the arrival of their newer (used) ladder truck sometime next month – a purchase the County helped finance late last year – the question of what to do with the old truck remained. The original plan involved selling the apparatus to help repay the county loan. However, as Chief Garrett explained, finding a buyer for specialized, aging fire equipment isn’t always straightforward. Despite marketing efforts through various channels, including professional brokers, “there’s been no serious interest in this truck,” Garrett reported.

Rather than simply wait, Chief Garrett and the AVFD developed a proactive alternative focused on maximizing the old truck’s value within our broader community. His proposal to the Board: allow the AVFD to formally donate the current ladder truck to the Concord Volunteer Fire Department.

Why Concord? Garrett laid out a compelling case for regional cooperation. Concord VFD covers a significant slice of western Appomattox County in its primary response area but currently lacks an aerial ladder truck. Donating the truck, Garrett argued, would equip Concord with a vital piece of equipment, potentially improving their ISO rating (which can affect homeowners’ insurance rates) in the parts of Appomattox they serve.

Crucially, the benefits flow back to Appomattox directly. Concord has agreed the donated truck would be prioritized for mutual aid calls into Appomattox County. It would provide essential backup when Appomattox’s new ladder truck is out for maintenance, support major incidents like commercial fires or technical rescues, and enhance overall firefighter safety by ensuring a second ladder is readily available county-wide. “Having two aerial devices in the county enhances firefighter safety,” Garrett stressed.

To make this community-focused plan feasible, Garrett requested the Board consider adjusting the original loan terms, asking them to weigh forgiving “all or at least 50%” of the loan amount, enabling the donation. He emphasized the AVFD’s commitment to its obligations but noted the difficulty in the resale market.

The Supervisors appeared thoughtful and appreciative of the volunteers’ service. Supervisor Carter noted, “We don’t hold you all responsible if nobody wants to buy that truck,” and Supervisor Hinkle requested Garrett’s written remarks for detailed review. While no decision was made Monday, the Chief’s proposal puts a potential win-win scenario on the table: turning a difficult sale into an opportunity to strengthen fire protection across jurisdictional lines, keeping a valuable asset serving local citizens. It’s a plan worth watching as the Board mulls it over.