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donated a utility rescue vehicle to the Tylertown Fire Department
Fire Chief Joe Stinson and Randy Fathbruckner and Josh Wenzel of Commonwealth Health Care.
Tylertown Fire Department added a utility rescue vehicle to its lineup recently, accepting a
donation of a box type ambulance from a Bowling Green, Ky., health care company,
Commonwealth Health Care. Fire Chief Joe Stinson said the donated unit came about
because Commonwealth wanted to donate a unit for use in the South in an area affected by
Hurricane Katrina. He said Commonwealth maintains a professional association with Fitch and
Associates operated by his son-in-law. “Randy Fathbruckner of Commonwealth and Jay Fitch
are friends and acquaintances, so when Randy began looking for a town to donate the
equipment to, Jay suggested they contact us,” Stinson said. “It fits our need for an emergency
response/utility/rescue vehicle.” The box ambulance type vehicle brings to six the number of
vehicles operated by Tylertown Fire Department, one tanker, four pumpers and now the
donated vehicle. Dubbed “Spirit One,” Stinson said the unit will use that as its call sign. The
1990 vehicle recently had an engine overhaul and underwent preventative maintenance while
in use by Commonwealth. The vehicle also includes a self-contained climate control system
and generator unit. Commonwealth and surrounding fire departments in that area also
donated a number of airpacks, emergency medical supplies and firefighting equipment for use
by local firemen and first responders. A neighboring fire department, Lewisburg, also
purchased a $500 gift certificate through one of the fire equipment supply houses in Tylertown’
s name. Fathbruckner and Josh Wenzel of Commonwealth Health Care delivered the unit to
the town last week. Mayor Ed Hughes told a group of firemen, town officials and others at the
local fire station last week that the unit will be put to good use by the Tylertown Fire Dept. “It is
impossible to tell you the effect of Katrina on this area. While we were not nearly as
devastated as the six counties below us, it has been a humbling experience. People like you,
all over the nation, have helped Mississippi and Louisiana and the affected areas.”
Copied from the Tylertown Times 2/9/06
