Cove Creek VFD

receives

$18,000 grant
By Melanie Davis

The Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department will be purchasing new turnout gear and jumpsuits for each of the department’s 32 members with the help of BB&T Insurance Services and the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.

An $18,000 grant was awarded through the partnership between the above insurance providers. BB&T Insurance Services offers Fireman’s Fund products.

With the sale of those products, the company accrues points which can then be exchanged for grant dollars. The company nominates a fire department in their local area as the recipient of those funds.

The Cove Creek VFD was nominated by BB&T chairman and CEO Wade Reece.

“Recently, Cove Creek firefighters responded to an emergency at my farm and I was impressed with their quick response and professionalism,” he said.

“This grant will ensure they stay safe while working to protect those of us in the community,” Reece said.

“We are proud to help in such a meaningful way, knowing these firefighters will benefit from such an important donation.”

The turnout gear, which will be purchased with the grant, is the protective, fire-resistant clothing firefighters wear when responding to fires or vehicle collisions.

The clothing protects from chemical exposure, heat and flames. The new gear will replace older sets, which start to deteriorate in quality and safety.

“Turnout gear is crucial for protecting our firefighters in order to rescue trapped victims and put out fires in toxic environments,” said Cove Creek first responder Capt. and Fire Lt. Chad Cole.

“This grant enables us to satisfy our most basic mission: saving lives. In terms of personal protection, a firefighter’s safety is only as reliable as his or her turnout gear.”

Chief Terry Combs said the grant will also help the department continue and improve the fire prevention programs offered at Cove Creek Elementary School.

The department fully funds the program which is offered at each grade level, prekindergarten through the eighth grade.

The fire-prevention program teaches students age-appropriate fire safety, such as home drills, the importance of smoke detectors, equipment demonstrations, films and the smoke house simulator to teach children how to safely exit a burning building.