VIDEO/PHOTOS: A volunteer fire department in the Northstate, the Fall River Valley Fire Protection District in McArthur, is getting grant funds for new equipment. The National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm are offering support to help local volunteer fire departments get the equipment they need. Their representatives said 150 departments in 44 states got a grant. Each department received $10,000. The District is the only volunteer fire department in California that was given this support. Fall River Valley Fire Protection District Chief James White and Amanda Cossairt, clerk of the board, spoke with the Northstate’s News about how the funds will help them serve the community.
โWe’re needing new turnouts. We have turnouts that are expiring, and we depend on these grants to help us fulfill the cost of getting this stuff. It’s very expensive,โ White said. โWith this money, weโre going to purchase three new structure gears, that’s tops and bottoms, and two wildland [turnouts]. We have right around 25 to 27 volunteersโฆ We have to keep them in supply of up-to-date clothing. Iโve been reaching out for grants everywhere, and itโs justโฆ Thereโs nothing out there. This is really going to help us out in every possible way.โ
