Fire department receives grant from state

Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance were in Jackson on Friday, Sept. 20, awarding grants to various volunteer fire departments from all over rural West Tennessee for equipment, training and recruitment.

“Volunteer fire departments are so crucial in our state, but especially West Tennessee,” said Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “So we’re glad to be here to not only honor those who do the work of keeping our people and their homes safe but also giving them more resources to do what they do even better and more efficiently.”

The event happened at the Old Country Store in Casey Jones Village, and a total of $1.6 million was awarded to a total of 29 departments in eight counties.

One of those grants went to Madison County for $36,547.

A number of state level elected officials were on hand for the presentation too, including State Rep. Johnny Shaw from District 80, which is part of Madison County.

“I’m so glad for Madison County to get some help along with some of the departments in Hardeman County,” Shaw said. “Fire departments – volunteer or full-time – are vital parts of our community because without them, we have no assurance that we can keep our homes safe in the event of a fire.

“And volunteer departments are important in areas like Madison and Hardeman counties because these small towns don’t have the funds to pay for however many firefighters a fully-staffed department for the smallest towns or communities would take.

“So who do we rely on? Those that are willing to volunteer to step in and help when the need arises. And they need the funding to do their jobs well and stay safe as possible in the process. I appreciate Commissioner Lawrence for having his staff put this together and get these grants together.”

Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news