The Rutherford County (Tenn.) Fire-Rescue Department, together with its Fire & Arson Investigation Unit, recently received keys to a much-needed response vehicle as part of a donation on behalf of State Farm and Service King Collision Repair Centers.
The giveaway was made possible through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program, which brings together insurers, collision repair companies and local organizations to restore and donate vehicles to individuals and organizations in need.
As part of the giveaway, Service King’s local collision repair technicians volunteered time and expertise to fully restore the 2011 Chevy Impala. The vehicle was donated for the event by State Farm and will be used by Rutherford County’s fire/arson unit as well as the state of Tennessee’s canine investigation team.
“The Rutherford County Fire-Rescue Department is excited about the opportunity this vehicle affords our organization to enhance the services provided by our Fire & Arson Investigation Unit,” said Joshua Sanders, lead investigator and unit supervisor of the Rutherford County Fire-Rescue Department. “As our county continues to grow at a rapid pace, so do the demands on our department. This addition to our fleet will prove to be a valuable asset. Arson is one of the most costly crimes to affect our community, as it indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income and the increased cost of fire services. We would like to thank State Farm, 1-800-Charity Cars and Service King of Murfreesboro for their partnership in the fulfillment of this mission.”
Service King and State Farm are actively involved in the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program and the Nashville community. Currently, Service King operates 19 locations in the greater Nashville area, and in 2016 its Service King Cares initiative contributed more than $750,000 to nonprofit organizations across the United States.
“The entire Service King family is thrilled to take part in this special donation,” said Matt Billington, Service King area director. “We are immensely grateful for the selfless service and sacrifice our first-responders display and hope this small token of our appreciation makes a significant impact on their mission.”
