News
The New London Rural Community Fire Company was formed in 1968 to provide fire protection to the residents of 9 rural communities in the New London area. Since that time the Fire Company has expanded its operational capability to provide a full range of emergency services to the communities it serves. We are very proud of our new fire hall and even more please to say that the mortgage has been completely paid. This major venture could not have been completed without the support of the government and most importantly the community and property owners.
The next challenge for our fire company is to replace its front line pumper truck. Although, this truck is still very effective in service, it unfortunately is coming up to twenty years old. ULC Regulations require that front line pumper trucks be no older than twenty years. This ruling affects the insurance premiums that property owners pay for their fire insurance. The purchase of a new truck not only benefits the way services are provided by the fire company but also saves money in insurance premiums to the property owners.
At a public meeting held in October 2014, the Board of Directors was authorized to proceed with the purchase of a new front line pumper. The truck was ordered following our public meeting and we are hoping to take ownership in the fall of 2015 so the firefighters can be well trained before the 1995 pumper is out of UCL inspection in December 2015. The Board was authorized to spend a maximum of $416,000 to purchase the new pumper truck. Although this is a lot of money all of it will be necessary if we are to purchase a front line truck that is capable of the providing the essential emergency services that our growing communities require. That leads to the question: “Where is the money coming from?” The Fire Company has prudently saved approximately $100,000 to go towards the new truck. The Firemen have donated $10,000 and hope to donate more as they hold their elimination draws. This amount will go a significant distance in supporting the purchase of the new truck. These funds will basically cover the down payment on the new truck which is due at time of order. This fall we will need to come up with the remaining $306,000. The board hopes to save another $30,000 by then and the fireman hope to donate another $10,000.00 leaving a balance of $266,000 to be borrowed for the truck. The Fire Company’s present budget will allow us to make payments of $36,000 per year thus enabling us to repay a $266,000 loan within 7 1/2 years.
As we are anxious to have as little debt as possible we are approaching all residents of the fire district for financial support. That will allow us to minimize the debt required to complete this valuable community asset. Any assistance that you can provide, either as a one-time gift or a commitment over the next three years, would be greatly appreciated. It should be noted that all contributions will be entitled to a tax receipt as we have successfully secured charitable tax status. We are asking potential donors to consider making a three year pledge to support the campaign. All gifts will be gratefully appreciated however three categories of giving will be recognized on a donor wall prominently displayed within the new Fire Hall. Specifically, a commitment of: $500 per year for three years will be identified as a Bronze Supporter; $1,000 per year for three years will be a Silver Supporter; and $3,000 or more paid per year for three years will be identified as a Gold Supporter. All other donations will be recorded in a “Donor Book” that will recognize all financial support, and will be on display in our new Community Fire Hall.
If you would like further information on how you can help, please contact any member of the Board of Directors (listed below) or any of the volunteer firefighters. You can also e-mail us
or write to us at:
New London Rural Community Fire Company
Box 8031
Kensington, PEI
C0B 1M0
We would like to provide all property owners with regular updates on this project and other developments but unfortunately there is a significant cost to sending physical mailings. Therefore, we have established a web site (www.nlfirecompany.com) where you will be able to check for the latest information on Fire Company happenings. You can sign up for community notifications and updates sent out via email. If you have specific questions on the Fire Company’s management or operational procedures you can e-mail them to the Board President at president@nlfirecompany.com or to the Fire Chief at chief@nlfirecompany.com.
It was with tremendous satisfaction that we have finally reached a position where we can order a new pumper truck and the Board of Directors would like to thank everyone who has assisted thus far. We would ask that you give serious consideration to making a gift to support this essential community endeavor. This is a huge project to be undertaken by small rural communities and will require the assistance of all in order to reduce the debt amount to a manageable level.
Thank you for your consideration.
New London Rural Community Fire Company Board of Directors:
President – Derek Woodside Joan Zinn Hilda Johnstone
Secretary – Lola Meek Ogilvie John MacIsaac Jason Cobb
Treasurer – Andrew Matheson Brenda Montgomery Bill Drost
Fire Chief: Allen Cole
