Local firefighters are donating a truck to help a department in Kentucky that lost everything in deadly tornadoes, which struck the state last week.

Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 said goodbye to Engine 2216 on Wednesday, as a local trucking company prepared for the 14-hour drive to Mayfield, Kentucky.

“We figured as a department, that truck helped us,” said David Michael III, Second Assistant Chief of Penn Forest Volunteer Fire. Co. No. 2. “Helping out somebody who actually needs it would be best.”

The Mayfield Graves Fire Rescue fire station was leveled in the deadly tornadoes that struck Kentucky on Dec. 10. The department lost everything - with the exception of two trucks that were out on a call.

In order to resume operations, the fire department had to replace everything from turnout gear to firetrucks.

Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 happened to be in a unique position to help. Engine 2216, a 1987 Seagrave pumper, was listed for sale at the time of the tornadoes.

After hearing of the devastation in Kentucky, the officers of the department met and decided that sending the truck there would be the best step.

They joined other fire departments in the area, which have been donating firefighting gear and everyday essentials.

Shortly after the tornadoes, Lehigh County volunteer Clark DeBear told the followers of his DeWeather Facebook page that he planned to drive donations the 750-plus mile trip to Mayfield. DeBear arrived in Kentucky on Thursday and said the area has been devastated by the storm.

“The sheer scope of this is mind-boggling, it’s unfathomable,” DeBear said.

The Slatington Volunteer Fire Company stepped up as well, providing space for donations to be collected and stored. Volunteers will pack a donated box truck on Saturday, and drive to Kentucky on Sunday.

On Wednesday, Michael dropped off the engine in Slatington. Edward Yesik, who owns a trucking company in Slatington, agreed to provide a driver, fuel and necessary equipment to transport the vehicle at no cost. Towing large trucks isn’t unusual for Yesik, but he said the job was different because the truck is going to such an important destination.

“This is the least that any of us could do. When I heard about what happened, I wanted to do whatever I could to help,” Yesik said.

Michael said his fellow firefighters also saw an opportunity to help a community in need. They know something about having to unexpectedly replace a fire engine.

Engine 2216 was purchased from a department in Illinois in 2015 after Penn Forest had to replace a truck damaged in a crash.

They used it as a front line apparatus for two years before a new replacement was finished.

Since then, it has served as a reserve if there is a problem with a front line vehicle. The department finally decided to sell it after the recent purchase of a new truck.

When the storm hit Kentucky, there had been some interest, but it still hadn’t sold.

Michael said he can’t imagine having to start from scratch like Mayfield Graves is doing right now. But he and the rest of Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 were compelled to help because it’s part of who they are as firefighters.

“As an agency, we drop everything for anybody, any time the pager goes off. The way that we practice, and we pride ourselves on being - this was the best way,” Michael said.

A GoFundMe for Mayfield Graves is available at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mayfieldgraves-co-rescue-squad/.