LVFD receives Weyerhaeuser grant for new equipment

The Lockesburg Volunteer Fire Department is the proud owner of some new life-saving equipment for its firefighters thanks to a sizable donation from Weyerhaeuser.

The fire department was once again awarded the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund Grant, this year totaling $13,000. The funds allowed for the purchase of two brand new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA).

“This equipment is absolutely critical to protecting our firemen when dealing with a blaze,” said Lockesburg Fire Chief Matt Webb. “This grant allowed us to replace some older equipment and get some new turnout gear for our guys. This kind of equipment purchase is difficult for a small department like ours without the generous assistance of partners like Weyerhaeuser.”

Last the year the department received $10,500 through a Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund grant to purchase brand-new, battery-operated extrication tools. The state-of-the-art tools are rated for the stronger materials and technology used to protect the newest vehicles.

The recent grant to purchase new turnouts and SCBA gear helps ensure Lockesburg’s fire department is both trained and properly-equipped, said Webb.

The new equipment was also funded through a gun raffle held by the department earlier this year. That fundraiser raised $7,400. In August, Webb’s department secured a $1,000 grant from SWEPCO to purchase protective chainsaw chaps and other protective gear.

Webb is reminding the community that the fire department has rescheduled its chili cookoff to Dec. 16. Organizers were forced to cancel the competition last month due to rain. This time, it will be held in the almost-newly-remodeled fire station to ensure the weather doesn’t have an effect.

Anyone interested in showcasing their chili recipe is invited to participate. The public is welcome to come by beginning at 6:30 p.m. for all-you-can-eat chili for just $10. The public will also vote on the best chili of the night.

The fire department will also provide a free showing of a Christmas movie and will sell popcorn, hot chocolate and other snacks to those in attendance.

For more information and to register, contact Sydney Hill at Lockesburg City Hall by calling (870) 289-3261 or Lockesburg Fire Chief Matt Webb at (870) 582-5278.