Volunteer fire departments play important role in area
Throughout Alabama places like Franklin County depend on the services of volunteer fire departments to protect life and property in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
Unfortunately, these departments do not receive as much tax funding as departments located in larger cities even though they usually are responsible for covering a larger area.
That is why it is important for community volunteer fire departments to apply for all the grants for which they are eligible. The Belgreen Volunteer Fire Department earned a $76,551 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program that will allow the department to purchase 10 new air packs and 11 sets of turn-out gear.
Considering the department usually raises up to $5,000 per year during fundraisers, the grant is a gift that will allow the department to upgrade quickly and efficiently.
These departments need to keep equipment up to date not only for fighting fires in an attempt to keep property safe, but also during rescue efforts following natural disasters such as the April tornado that ravaged Phil Campbell and other communities in eastern Franklin County.
The Franklin County Times not only encourages area volunteer fire departments to seek grants, but also asks county residents to support these departments during fundraising events so they can continue to protect life and property.
