Washington County has agreed to pay for an unexpected expense for the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department, kwhi.com reported.

Commissioners Tuesday voted to reimburse the department in the amount of $38,830 to replace a fire truck engine, the report said. This came after a commissioner workshop last week where it was discovered that insurance did not take care of the cost for the engine.  

A county official said this is an emergency situation for the community and surrounding areas, and that it is “crucial” to have the vehicle running properly, according to the report. 

A commissioner said expenses like this cannot be budgeted for, but the interlocal agreement the county has with the volunteer fire departments allows for these purchases, the report said.

“Thank you Washington County commissioners for the help, greatly appreciated… and Great job Captain Dustin Brown for Representing the Chappell Hill Vol. Fire Dept. At the meeting!” the fire department posted on Facebook.

Owen-Salt Creek Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of a 2023 Kenworth Tanker-Pumper recently, CrothersvilleTimes.com reported. The $450,000 firefighting apparatus can hold 3,500 gallons of water and pump at a rate of 500 gallons per minute, the report said.

The rural fire department protects property in Owen and Salt Creek Townships of western Jackson County representing the largest fire territory— over 97 square miles— in the county. The fire department covers an area from south of US 50 north to the Brown County line in northwest Jackson County, according to the report.

The Backus Fire Department was awarded a $10,000 grant for turnout gear ahead of the Feb. 6 regular city council meeting, according to an emailed meeting summary from City Clerk Ann Swanson, pineandlakes.com reported.

The fire department has been fundraising and filing for grants in search of funds to help replace turnout gear the last few years, the report said.

Fire department safety equipment all has a mandated expiration date due to accumulation of chemicals from smoke and wear and tear from extreme environments, but the cost of outfitting each firefighter is thousands of dollars, leading the department to seek help replacing a large amount of gear, according to the report.

The Avinger (TX) Fire Department posted the following on Facebook Wednesday:

“Update to the crash this morning in Marion County involving (Gray) first responders fire department … they flipped their fire truck multiple times and victims had to be cut out of it … prayers for all involved.”

In a reply to a comment on the post, the fire department said: “Thank ya’ll all for the prayers! I’m hearing he’s going to be OK.”

ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) reimbursed the Village of East Palestine Fire Department approximately $825,000 for fire equipment used in the derailment response. This follows $220,000 reimbursement to fund new equipment for the first responders.

Today’s donations to the Village of East Palestine Fire Department bring the company’s financial commitment to East Palestine to nearly $8 million, with more to come.

• Norfolk Southern Ordered to Pay for Replacement Equipment for PA Fire Departments
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• FAQ about the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and it is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving most of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

SOURCE: Norfolk Southern Corporation