Dorchester Banner/Susan M. Bautz
Pictured from left: Charles Coulbourne, Mayor Joyce Spratt, and Bessie Coulbourne were thrilled following the dedication of the Hurlock volunteer fire company’s new 101’ aerial truck on Oct. 1 during the abbreviated Fall Festival.[/caption] HURLOCK — It is one tall ladder! Climbing to the top of a 101’ aerial is not a job for the faint of heart. But the volunteers at Hurlock’s Volunteer Fire Company (HVFC) are up for it and are excited about the new equipment. The Rosenbauer truck was dedicated on Oct. 1 at 1 pm as one of two events not canceled due to weather. The train rides ran as scheduled. According to Mayor Joyce Spratt, the dedication “was an awesome event.” HVAC Chief Jason Trego explained the new 101’ aerial was dedicated to a long-time member, Mr. Charles Coulbourne Jr., for his 65 years of service to the fire department. “The members decided we would dedicate our new piece to him.” After the truck was blessed volunteers took Mr. Coulbourne on a ride through town. Chief Trego said, “We had our neighboring companies in Seaford and Sharptown set up to do a traditional ‘wet down.’ Our aerial drove through a crossover stream (from the fire trucks) and then backed up onto the pad where our members pushed it into the station to house it. Then we let everybody take a look at it. It’s been a four year project.” To pay off the vehicle’s hefty $1 million price tag Chief Trego explained, “We took out a MD military low interest loan that goes through the Fireman’s Association to fund 75 percent of the cost at 1 percent. For the other 25 percent we got a second loan through the USDA to finance 100% of the truck. We do fund drives. The town supports us financially and so do local area businesses who donate to support the truck. That’s how we make our money.” According to Mayor Spratt, “What was supposed to be such a gloomy day in Hurlock turned out to be one that will be remembered by all for so many reasons! Although we had to cancel the parade and the vendors the train rides sold out and everyone had an amazing time. At 1 pm The Hurlock Fire Department dedicated their million dollar brand new ladder truck in honor of Mr. Charles Coulbourne who has been a member … for 65 years! This was one of the most meaningful ceremonies I have ever attended!!!! I am sure there was not a dry eye anywhere after all the comments made by family and friends! ‘Mr. Charlie’ is one of the most influential men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Three generations of his family are still active members and I know it makes him one happy man to see them follow in his footsteps.”