By Brian Smith
Register News Writer
BEREA — Residents in southern Madison County may see their homeowner’s insurance rates drop after the Red Lick Volunteer Fire Department received a $71,750 grant.
The federal grant, which required a 5 percent match from the department, paid for the purchase of a used 1998 fire engine to replace the department’s current apparatus.
Congressman Ben Chandler was on hand Tuesday morning following a Madison Fiscal Court meeting in Berea to meet with department personnel and court members.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what you’ve done,” Chandler told firefighters. “You’re heroes because you’re there and you give up your time to protect your neighbors.”
The department, which has 22 active members, operates on approximately $25,000 per year, firefighter Keith Everitt told magistrates during the fiscal court meeting.
The majority of the department’s funding comes from a $12,000 grant from the county, along with a state grant of around $8,000 per year for equipment, Everitt said.
The remainder of the department’s budget comes from fundraisers, and Everitt said the weak economy has taken a toll on the department.
Over the past year, five active firefighters have left the department, Everitt said. Three of the firefighters were called or volunteered for active military duty, while two others were forced to leave the area to find work elsewhere.
A tight budget also forced the department to heat its station with space heaters over the winter, Everitt said, as electricity bills exceeded $600 a month last year.
The new truck will replace an outdated engine with equipment problems, Everitt said.
Madison Judge/Executive Kent Clark said the new engine will benefit all the residents of one of the most rural parts of Madison County, as well as fire crews in Jackson, Estill and Rockcastle counties who often call on Red Lick for assistance.
The new engine will be in service within the next week, Everitt told magistrates.
Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. For breaking news, follow Brian at www.twitter.com/RR_BSmith.
