The St. James Volunteer Fire Department is preparing to put into service a 1981 Pierce/Ford pumper truck that was donated to the department by the Indiana Township Volunteer Fire Company in Pittsburgh.

Wesley Holt, the department's chief, said the fire truck is equipped with a 1,000-gallon-per-minute pump and carries 750 gallons of water in an onboard tank.

"Overall this truck is in excellent condition and has been well maintained with only 22,000 miles on it," Holt said.

He explained that Kevin Ayers, a fire department member and former chief, was contacted about the truck and made the arrangements to have it donated to the department.

"Hillybilly Express Trucking Company owner Robert Lamb donated his time and services to haul the truck from Pennsylvania back to Greene County," Holt said.

The donated fire truck will replace a 1969 model fire truck and will give the St. James VFD the opportunity to upgrade its equipment fleet without having to spend a large amount of money.

"This department, like all volunteer fire departments in the county, must rely on the community to keep us in operation," Chief Holt said.

"That is why we will be conducting our annual door-to-door fund drive on Saturday, March 8. All members of the department will be going door-to-door in the community asking for donations."

Chief Holt said each fire department member will have proper photo identification during the fund drive.

"The department is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as being a 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible," Chief Holt said. "On behalf of the department, we would like to thank those who keep us in operation through their donations."