That classic car, motorcycle, or tractor in your garage could help make the communities of Brussels, Union, and Gardener safer places to live, work, and play. Saturday’s Brussels Car and Motor Show marks the first major fundraising effort for the BUG Fire Department as they look to purchase a rapid response vehicle to add to their fleet. Many volunteer and smaller career fire departments are leaning on the vehicles to right-size their equipment without giving up operational capabilities.  BUG Fire Chief Curt Vandertie says the units can help firefighters cover more surface area with less water being used. Coupled with a drop in volunteer emergency responders being able to work daytime shifts, Vandertie says vehicles like these can help departments be more efficient when they head to a scene.

Saturday’s Brussels Car and Motor Show is just one way the department looks to fund the purchase, which Vandertie says they have been keeping tabs on for the last four years. Participants can show up between 10 a.m. and noon to participate, with judging lasting until 1 p.m. There is a small registration fee, but it is free to attend, with all proceeds from the event benefitting the BUG Fire Department.