Representatives of three-day cycling festival Saint Francis Tulsa Tough have donated more than $6,000 worth of supplies and funds to the Avant Fire Department.
The volunteer department had its only fire truck stolen and burned last month. Medical equipment and supplies at the fire station were also destroyed by vandals.
"They've been an important part of our event," said Tulsa Tough Executive Director Malcolm McCollam. "They provide not only food and beverages, but also a lot of energy and enthusiasm in support of the event. And when we heard about this, we just couldn't sit by and do nothing."
The Avant Fire Department has hosted a rest stop every year for cyclists tackling dozens of miles on Tulsa Tough's Sunday Grand Fondo ride.
Chief Gene Atkins said the crimes left the community in a tough spot.
"The monetary value of everything that was on that truck was just astronomical, and when they found it burnt, we were destroyed," Atkins said. "We did not have any way of doing any kind of medical runs at all."
The estimated value of the damage was $120,000. Skiatook has been helping Avant with medical response since the incident.
A fund has been set up for the fire department at RCB Bank in Skiatook. More information is available at the Tulsa Tough website or by calling 918-396-6700.
