“We are so grateful to Food Lion for their donation,” said Wendy Barnhardt, dean of health and education programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “The beds and other supplies will be a great addition to our modernized space and allow our students to learn on real-world equipment.”

A Nissan Altima and Armada were donated for the Automotive Systems Technology program by the Franklin, TN, based Nissan North America facility.

Fire-Dex Corporation, of Medina, Ohio, donated turnout gear and boots to the College’s Fire & Emergency Services Training programs.

Phase I of the Fire & Emergency Services Training Facility was completed as part of the 2010 Rowan County bond referendum and has been receiving heavy use for about 18 months. The facility, based at the College’s North Campus in Salisbury, serves an important role for training local public safety providers who protect citizens every day, and is set to expand if voters pass the Connect NC Bond on the March 15 election ballot.

It will be used to transport patients locally and to take them to hospitals outside the region. It will be replacing an older ambulance with high mileage.

Cabell County EMS director Gordon Merry said he was already in the process of trying to find the money for a new ambulance.

This is the second time in April money was stolen from firefighters.

"We need a station that can go up Moffett Road, Crichton, Trinity Gardens, and Midtown," said Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson who represents the area. "And that's what this station will do."

Pappas says the location of the old station on Moffett Road can't accommodate a new, modern $2.5 million dollar station like the one that will be built on the Crichton school spot. Pappas says it will be very much like the new station built in Theodore three years ago.