Lamar County Fire Services offers protection under its umbrella

LAMAR COUNTY Miss. (WDAM) – The Lamar County Fire Department says it was particularly proud of the purchase of new equipment this year.

“One department received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a washer-dryer made specifically for emergency equipment and a new breathing air compressor at their station that really helped them, in Baxterville,” said Kyle Hill, Fire Coordinator Lamar County.

“Lumberton just received $2,500 from Pearl River Valley (Opportunity, Inc.) to help purchase a fan. Oloh also received $2,500 from Pearl River Valley.”

Hill said some equipment, such as self-contained breathing apparatus, can cost between $6,000 and $8,000 per firefighter.

The Southeast Lamar Fire Department initiated this purchase last year.

“We purchased 24 SBAs, which are breathing apparatus for firefighters during interior attacks,” said Southeast Lamar Fire Chief Johnny Elliott. “That was a pretty good chunk of money for us as a volunteer fire department.”

In most cases, volunteer fire departments must raise their own money for equipment, but in Lamar County several stations have received donations and grants to help defray the costs.

“Without donations from businesses or individuals, it is difficult for a volunteer fire department to purchase equipment without providing grants,” Elliott said. “So if you are turned down for a grant for the equipment you need, you will have to wait and reapply when funding becomes available again.”

The county hopes the improved equipment and an influx of money will attract more career and volunteer firefighters.

“It’s kind of like ‘Ghostbusters,'” Elliott said. “Who are you going to call? If my house burns and no one shows up, who can I blame?”

The county says recruiting employees is one of its short-term goals for fire departments, while replacing older fire trucks is a long-term goal.

“We’re 90% volunteer-based, and that’s still a big part of what we do,” Hill said. “And that’s why we encourage people to want to give back to their communities.”

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