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The Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department received a one-of-a-kind donation last week when the department was gifted with two fire engines.

The Nokesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Bristow donated two pumpers that had reached the end of useful life per Prince William County’s jurisdiction requirements.

“The pumpers are made by Ferrara, and classified as custom pumpers by them, Nokesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department President Mark Engman said. “They still have lots of life left in them.”

According to Engman, the department looked to identify another volunteer fire department in Virginia that was in need of updated pumpers that they could assist in protecting their communities.

“This is what volunteering is all about, neighbors helping neighbors, only on a bit of a larger scale,” Engman said. “Drakes Branch was devastated by a flood in 2018, and the fire department is still trying to return to normal operations after the flood destroyed their fire station. We are so impressed by the dedication of these volunteers, and we hope that this small donation will allow them to continue protecting the citizens in their area.”

Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Kenny Tharpe said the donation will help the department upgrade its equipment while paying for a new building.

“We hope to get rid of two of our older trucks in the future and to help offset our building payment since we already have a truck payment,” he said. “We were not ready for a building payment and a truck payment together, but the flood decided otherwise.”