NYS firefighters help their fellow brothers from the Midwest with a truck swap

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) — Firefighters nationwide are tied together through loyalty and friendship. Through those ties, the Parishville Volunteer Fire Department has been able to lend a helping hand to a small department from Missouri with help from the East Syracuse Fire Department.

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Olympia Rural firefighters flew into the Syracuse Hancock International Airport on Friday, Oct. 18, to spend the night at Station 2 in East Syracuse and then bring home a barely-used fire engine.

Years ago, Parishville firefighter John Liebfred was networking with his friends at different departments across New York State around the time of Hurricane Irene in 2011, volunteering to help those who were affected during the aftermath.

During that time, Liebfred said he learned about the extra equipment that departments had on hand. From there, things took off. Ever since, he has seen helping different fire departments across the United States get the gear they need, free of charge.

All fire crews have to do is travel to Syracuse to get the large-sized equipment. Liebfred said the smaller items can be shipped.

Since Liebfred is close with the crew at Station 2 in East Syracuse, he can use the location to meet people who fly into Syracuse to hand off the equipment.

“So, I’m talking with the chief out in Missouri, Mike Matzke, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah, we’ll take those jaws. You know anybody that’s got an engine?’ Yes, absolutely I do,” Liebfred said. “Give me a couple of days…we’ll see what we can come up with.

Liebfred said the little department from Olympia, Missouri, that is coming to retrieve the fire engine is replacing their old truck that was built in 1984.

When the flight lands, the crew will be greeted by their East Coast family and a big, red present.

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