In a heartwarming gesture, 91-year-old Sam Sloan donated $500,000 to the Calhoun volunteer fire department in Missouri, saving the struggling organization from financial ruin. Having been in business for several decades in the small community of Calhoun, Sloan was aware of the department’s financial difficulties and decided to fulfill a promise he had made to himself long ago. The fire department, with a population of less than 500, was facing severe financial constraints, with only $169 left in their bank account at the end of the first quarter.
Mark Hardin, the fire chief of the Calhoun department, was astounded by Sloan’s generosity. He had taken over as chief in 2021 when the department had only one volunteer firefighter, but thanks to Sloan’s donation, the department has now grown to 29 members. Hardin had been relying on donations from other departments to keep the organization afloat, until Sloan’s unexpected phone call in April. Sloan requested to be taken out to breakfast to discuss the fire department, and after a few more meetings, he handed over a check for $500,000.
The Calhoun fire department wasted no time in putting Sloan’s donation to good use, purchasing a much-needed new engine for their operations. Hardin ensures that every penny spent is approved by Sloan to keep him actively involved in where his money is going. In appreciation for his generous gift, the firefighters named Sloan an honorary fire chief and presented him with a fire helmet. Sloan expressed his gratitude for the gesture, stating that he will wear his new helmet proudly.
Sloan had only two terms for his donation: a large community barbecue once the department gets new uniforms, and a request for the new fire engine to lead the procession at his funeral. The firefighters were more than happy to fulfill his wishes, showing their deep appreciation for his contribution. The incredible act of kindness by Sam Sloan has not only saved the Calhoun fire department from financial hardship but has also united the community in gratitude for his selfless generosity.
The donation by Sam Sloan has been likened to a Cinderella story by Chief Hardin, as it has transformed the fate of the small fire department in Calhoun. Sloan’s act of kindness has not only provided financial stability but has also boosted the morale of the firefighters and instilled a sense of pride in the community. His willingness to give back to a cause close to his heart demonstrates the importance of supporting local organizations and the impact that one person’s generosity can have on a community. The Calhoun fire department will forever be grateful for Sloan’s donation, which has secured their future and allowed them to continue serving the community effectively.
