West Frankfort had an extra ambulance they weren't sure what to do with until Mayor Tom Jordan suggested donating it to another community.

Chief Allen says he knew what an asset it would be.

"It also takes more manpower and, of course more training, but I believe the quality of service will benefit the citizens of Benton," he said.

“This is the culmination of everything we have been doing,” said Cyd Reide, Fairfield Glade (FG) resident and avid supporter of the FGFD. “We wanted to thank the community for all their help and it’s nice when they can see their contributions come to fruition.”

The figure represents the cost of building seven new, unfunded fire stations throughout the city. Operating those stations, plus another five that the city is already planning to build, would cost about $18.7 million per year.