Eight local fire departments recently received funds through a Haywood EMC program that allows Volunteer Fire Departments serving its service territory to apply for small grants. The co-op typically awards 10 $500 grants annually through the nearly 20-year-old program, intended to benefit or enhance the performance of official duties performed by the VFDs.

“Our VFDs do a lot to help us during major storms by clearing trees from roads to access downed power lines to opening their facilities and providing food and warmth for our workers,” said Haywood EMC Manager of Marketing & Communications Ken Thomas. “Our Board of Directors feels this is a good way to give back to the communities we serve at large.”

The following VFDs recently received grants through the program:

• Clyde VFD is purchasing a gas monitor for its first-out vehicle.
• North Canton VFD will purchase a leaf blower for its brush truck.
• Lake Logan VFD plans to purchase household first aid kits to be distributed throughout the community.
• Cruso and Johnathan Creek VFDs are replacing fluorescent lights with more energy-efficient LED light fixtures.
• Junaluska VFD plans to purchase equipment needed to meet NC standards for medium duty rescues.
• Fines Creek VFD will use the grant for wiring in light fixtures in its new building.
• Crabtree-Ironduff VFD is installing more energy-efficient LED lighting.

“With the help of these funds the fire department could complete the replacement of our parking lot lights,” Crabtree-Ironduff VFD Chief Milton Messer said.

Left to right: HEMC’s Ken Thomas; Clyde VFD Senior Captain Wentford Henson; N. Canton VFD Chief Steve Kelly; HEMC Vice President Roy Stamey.