Phoenixville Fire Department Fighting More than Just Fires

If you see a pink fire truck driving around town, it’s not supporting the cause you think it is.

“We’re not just raising money for breast cancer, despite the color,” said Phoenixville firefighter Andy Klotzbach, 23, whose department, at his behest, draped their engine 65-1 in pink vinyl as part of the Community Service Fighting Cancer program. “It’s really for any sort of cancer.”

The program works, Klotzbach says, like this: fire departments, ambulance companies, police, and other emergency service providers in the area are wrapping a piece of apparatus in pink to raise awareness, and funds, to fight the disease. Locally Whitpain Township and Lansdale departments are participating, but in Phoenixville, there’s a twist.

“All our proceeds will be staying right in our community and will be donated to someone in Phoenixville who is battling cancer,” said Klotzbach. “We all know people who have been touched by it.”

Though they haven’t decided who the recipient will be, the young fireman says the department will be considering the age of the patient, as well as their level of need.

To raise funds, at least initially, the department is inviting residents to sign the truck—which will be driven at Saturday’s Dogwood Parade—for a small donation, and will be selling t-shirts for $15. To purchase shirts, which will be available for sale shortly, or make a direct donation to the cause, Klotzback is asking people to call the PFD directly at (610) 933-9717. And for the next six months, at least, the department will be holding fundraisers of various stripes to raise money to battle the illness.

Klotzbach, who, despite his age, has already served in the department for five years, says he sees a connection between fighting cancer and fighting fires.

“It’s about working together, as a team, to help the community.”