Irwin volunteer firefighters were still buzzing Sunday afternoon about an unsolicited $5,000 donation they received from the Penns Woods Civic Association when an alarm sounded signaling a fire at Irwin Manor, a senior citizens high-rise.

Only their newly refurbished ladder truck was equipped to fight the blaze in a sixth-floor apartment of the seven-story building. But the vehicle had not been placed in service because it needed 10 new tires that will be purchased with part of the North Huntingdon organization's donation.

The firefighters, figuring the building is just four blocks away, decided to "roll" the truck anyway. They thought it was fitting that the truck's first call was at Irwin Manor because they had told borough officials that it was needed for high-rise buildings..

"Isn't that something? It's so appropriate that the ladder truck's first alarm was at the Manor, the very concern we needed it for," said deputy chief Shawn Stitely, who added that the company plans to put the vehicle in service officially next week.

"With the $2,000 the borough gave us and the $5,000 donation, we have enough to buy the tires and pay for some equipment issues that came up."

Stitely said the new ladder towered above the building, which enabled firefighters to enter it from the roof. The incident turned out to be a minor fire in a wastebasket.

"The new ladder truck performed to the capabilities we thought it would. We're happy because we feel now the Manor is adequately protected with first-alarm capability," Stitely said.

Frank Remaley, president of the 400-member civic association, said the organization learned of the Irwin fire company's need through newspaper articles.

"Our organization has donated money to Hartford Heights and Circleville fire companies the last couple of years, so we decided to make Irwin our 2005 recipient. We feel they fit the criteria. Besides, this is a 560-home development. Who knows? Some day Irwin may come in here to help fight a fire," Remaley said.

"Irwin fire department is grateful for the donation. It is an unexpected neighborly gesture that is deeply appreciated," said Stitely. "After all, the Norwin community always has been about neighbors helping neighboring in time of need."