CFD Donates Lightbar to our Troops

Recently the Cutchogue Fire District donated a surplus light bar and siren to our troops serving overseas in Afghanistan, in the U.S. Army's 126th FST.

SFC. David Wilburn, grandson of Ex-Chief Leander "June" Glover, and the nephew of Ex-Chiefs Allan and Everett Glover is currently deployed overseas serving in Afghanistan as part of the United States Army 126th FST (Forward Surgical Team). He is a 1990 graduate of Mattituck High School and currently serves as a medic in his unit.

The 126th Forward Surgical Team (FST) is based out of Fort Hood Texas, and is a medical unit that can perform surgery far forward, in the area of a maneuver brigade or armored cavalry regiment. FST's are small, flexible units can manage approximately 10 patients per day, providing initial surgery and postoperative care at a regional field hospital until patients are evacuated for more definitive care. FSTs have proven their value in saving lives and limbs in multiple deployments since they were first designed and deployed.

At times the unit responds to meet arriving helicopters in remote locations to receive or transfer patients to other facilities.

In phone conversations and e-mails sent to his mother Sharon (Glover) Burden who resides in Cutchogue, and other family members, SFC Wilburn explained that the units current military ambulance / hum-vee did not have any emergency lights. Many times it was difficult for helicopters to locate the landing zone because of poor visibility and limited light.

Among the items that he said his unit could use, were any old emergency lights that might be available from a local fire or police department. He stated that if the vehicles had emergency lights, it would greatly help them during these situations.

Hearing the story, the Commissioners of the Cutchogue Fire District answered his call for help.

Working with David's Uncle, Ex-Chief Allan Glover, a surplus light bar, control box, and siren from a decommissioned chief's car were donated to the cause by the Board of Fire Commissioners. Three separate packages were carefully crated and sent overseas.

Shortly after arrival in Afghanistan, the light bar and siren were installed on the units emergency vehicle by members of the unit and is now in use.

As a token of their appreciation, the group has proudly lettered and placed an official Cutchogue FD Decal on their ambulance in CFD's honor. An American Flag has also been flown over Afghanistan in recognition of the Cutchogue Fire Department's support, and is currently being sent home for display in the Firehouse.

The Officers and Members of the Cutchogue Fire Department and the Commissioners of the Cutchogue Fire District would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all members of the U.S. Military currently serving overseas and send them well wishes for a safe New Year.

May they return home safely.

God bless America.