AIKEN, S.C., April 8, 2021 – The emergency response capabilities of one Aiken County volunteer fire department are stronger thanks to a donation from the Savannah River Site (SRS). On April 7, SRS leadership gathered with members of the Hollow Creek Volunteer Fire Department to deliver and hand over the keys and title to a new-to-them firetruck.

A multi-year effort to modernize the SRS emergency fleet paved the way for the donation of the fire-truck to Hollow Creek, transitioning the truck from federal service to community service.

“SRS holds mutual aid agreements with all of the local fire departments in Aiken County,” said Ron Bartholomew, DOE Director, Office of Safeguards, Security and Emergency Services. “We are a proud member of the county’s emergency response community and continue to look for ways we can work together to make Aiken County a stronger, safer place for its citizens.”

The former SRS firetruck can carry up to six firefighters and, when not connected to a main water source, is capable of propelling 1,000 gallons of self-contained water from its tanks thanks to its 1,500 gallon-per-minute pump onboard. The truck is also equipped with three ladders and enough space to hold needed tools to assist firefighters when faced with challenging and rapidly changing conditions.

“In its previous career at SRS, this truck was an integral part of the Site’s emergency re-sponse capabilities, responding during Site emergency drills, train-ing and, when needed, emergencies on-site or in one of the five neighboring counties surrounding SRS,” said Rob Still SRNS Chief, SRS Fire Department.

Hollow Creek Volunteer Fire Department is located along the Aiken County and Lexington County bor-der, near Wagner, S.C. As a strictly volunteer fire department, donations and grants are the heartbeat that ensures ongoing volunteer fire response in rural communities.

“For many volunteer fire departments in our state, one of our greatest challenges is maintaining the ongoing availability and readiness of our equipment. The donation of a firetruck from SRS will serve our community well and will further provide our firefighters with lifesaving resources when we are called on to help our community,” said Glenn Poole, Fire Chief, Hollow Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

The modernization of the SRS emergency fleet began in 2012. Since then, five new fire engines and four remounted ambulances have been added to the fleet with plans for further enhancements in the future.

Hillsdale Township Fire Department is getting ready to expect and then welcome a new fire truck, reports The Hillsdale Collegian.

The process started five years ago when the department first went to officials for funding. The fire department asked for bids from six companies, and of the four they received, the winning bid was the least expensive by $40,000.

After about two years of planning, they presented the plan to the Hillsdale Township Board. The plan was approved unanimously and saved the township an additional $12,000 by pre-paying for the engine, which ended up costing $365,000.

The new truck will replace a 1980s model. The new truck will have 2,100 gallons of water on that truck.

The City of Tupelo has broke ground on a new fire station, reports WTVA.

Station No. 2 is the city’s oldest and has been in operation for 64 years. The city has made costly repairs over the years.

The city is using bond money to pay for the new station. Tupelo Fire Chief Thomas Walker said he is excited for the new station.

Cleveland council members approved nearly $1 million to renovate the city’s fire stations to better accommodate mixed-gender crews, reports Cleveland 19 News.

The bulk of the funds will go toward separated sleeping quarters, as well as showering and toileting facilities for women.

Fire Station 11 has served as a pilot facility for renovations. Walls and doors were installed to convert sleeping areas into individual rooms.

The renovations are expected to be completed in 2025.