“Last year, the membership of 7th District Volunteer Fire Department voted to donate our reserve 1994 engine to the Woodlawn-Sevier Fire Department in North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. This past week, we were sent a message that the engine was listed on a social media page reporting it was going to scrap because of a froze pump. After inquiring, it was determined that the unit was left outside over the winter causing damage to the fire pump.
On Friday, we were made aware of a video circulating social media of individuals off-roading with the engine. This video was not only disappointing to see but we felt it was in poor taste considering our department name was never removed from the top of the apparatus. We have received further details that this video was posted by a mechanic shop who was working on the engine. They did this prior to taking the engine to scrap.
We did not have any type of agreement to get the unit back if it was not utilized and would have hoped that it could have been passed along to another department in need. Thanks to everyone who has reached out, sent us the videos, or posted about the engine. We felt it appropriate to share our own disappointment and can only hope that there weren’t other departments that could have utilized the engine more effectively and taken better care of it after the donation.”
Thank You, signed J.A. Nelson, Fire Chief. And Heather Bean, President.
The Woodlawn-Sevier VFD released the following statement on Monday, July 28th, 2025
On September 27th, 2024, Western North Carolina was hit by Hurricane Helene and devastation was left in her path. The members of the Woodlawn/Sevier Fire Department spent the months after working tirelessly to clear trees from roadways, rescue people from their homes, and supply their community with basic needs such as clean water, food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. This was a very difficult time for all Western North Carolina, including the Woodlawn/Sevier area. It took the entire community working together for days and weeks without running water, very little food, very little sleep, and a whole lot of prayer.
The entire region would not have been able to pull through without donations from all over the United States. All the time, funding, prayers, blood and sweat that came from complete strangers all over this great nation is appreciated more than you can imagine and will never be forgotten. We would like to specifically thank the Seventh District Fire Department for a very generous donation of a fire truck to the Woodlawn/Sevier Department.
On February 24,2025, the water inside the tank of that truck froze and damaged the truck. The truck was taken to a repair shop, and a quote was given to the fire department for repairs. Because the department had just depleted its funding and supplies in the wake of Helene, the money was not available to repair the truck and put it into service. A difficult decision was made, and the truck no longer belongs to the Woodlawn/Sevier Fire Department and the department has no control over how that truck is being displayed and used.
It is a shame to see videos and post on social media that make things seem otherwise.
We are asking that anyone who has a negative opinion to please educate yourselves on the facts of the matter before putting your opinion on a social media platform for so many others to read.
We are suggesting that you do some research on what you are saying before you just believe what you are told and decide to share that belief with others. The firefighting community should be made up of leaders, not followers. Truth tellers, not gossips.
Many of you may not understand the commitment it takes to be a Fireman and/or Service Worker. These are men and women made of courage, bravery, hustle, and heart. Hours and days away from their own family to make sure the other members of their community are alive and well….. and most of these fine people are volunteers. They are doing it because they are called to do it, not for money or recognition.
They do not deserve be slandered.
There will be conversations between all the groups involved in this situation.
Thank you, signed Keith Stockton, Chief of Woodlawn Sevier Fire Department
