BLOUNTS CREEK, N.C. (WITN) -A volunteer fire department here in the east is now more up-to-date and better equipped to serve the residents in the surrounding community.
The Blounts Creek Volunteer Fire Department received a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe which will be used for medical response and station duties. They also received a brand new fire engine, and bay floors all thanks to an $850,000 grant from the NC Legislature in the state budget.
The first $100,000 was granted two years ago and last year they received the remaining $750,000.
Monday, members of the department, Beaufort County, and representative Keith Kidwell gathered outside to present this check and explain what it means to the community.
“It will hopefully help raise our fire rating in the community and it will better enhance our abilities to fight fires and respond to rescues,” Blounts Creek Volunteer Fire Department Chief, David Williams said.
According to Representative Kidwell, this will save taxpayers money who are in a 6-mile radius of the department by cutting the insurance rate by keeping the equipment up to date. Kidwell says it could cut homeowners insurance by around 40 percent.