Alabama volunteer fire department sending truck to Africa

A decommissioned pumper truck from the Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is headed for a new life overseas, in Malawi, Africa.
Published: Jun. 11, 2025 at 9:20 PM CDT
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ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) - A decommissioned pumper truck from the Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is headed for a new life overseas, in Malawi, Africa.

Captain Wes Gunn, who has served on multiple mission trips to the southeastern African nation, said the fire engine will be donated to the government of Malawi, where firefighters are in dire need of resources.

With a population nearing 20 million and fewer than 200 firefighters nationwide, Malawi’s need for public safety equipment is severe.

“When you’re focused on health care and other essentials, firefighting sometimes gets lower down the list,” Gunn said. “Even though it is an incredibly important thing.”

The volunteer fire department is now fundraising to cover part of the $13,000 shipping cost for the truck’s 10,000-mile voyage. The journey will begin at the port of Houston, travel by boat to Namibia, and continue overland to Malawi.

Before the truck can be sent halfway across the world, it will need a new set a tires, which could cost $2,500.

“We’d like to put a set on there that will last a long time,” Gunn said.

For Gunn and his team, the expense is a small sacrifice in exchange for a potentially lifesaving impact.

Donations will be accepted via the Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department’s PayPal or by check through mail at the following address:

1785 Old Ware Rd

Wetumpka, AL 36093

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