News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Sparta’s Bondecroft Volunteer Fire Department wants to be a hub for the community during emergencies.
Chief Ryan Edmonds said for that reason, the department is looking into purchasing a new generator for its facility.
“We’ve had incidents in the past where we’ve had to run on generators for two or three days at a time, and trying to get fuel isn’t always the easiest when you’re trying to deal with that level of disaster, such as when the tornado had hit last year,” Edmonds said.
Edmonds said they try to help the community during disasters by distributing food, medical supplies and other necessities. In order to continue this work, Edmonds said they need to make the investment in a new generator.
Edmonds said that for the past year and a half, the fire department hasn’t been able to have many fundraising opportunities. Edmonds said the community can help by making donations and by spreading the word.
“Basically they can go to our Facebook page and donate that way, or simply put a check in the mail if they want to mail us a check just to the Bondecroft Volunteer Fire Department,” Edmonds said. “As I’ve said, we have a Facebook and they can leave us a message and if we need to come pick it up, we’ll do that.”
In addition to monetary help, Edmonds said they’re always looking for more volunteer firefighters. Edmonds said that response teams used to average around 20 to 30 people, but have since dropped to about 8 to 10 people.
“There are so many volunteer organizations that need help and people willing to go through the training and dedicate the time to give something back to your community,” Edmonds said. “A lot of the times people will think ‘There are people doing that, I don’t need to help,’ but they’d be surprised.”
