McCord’s Fire Department

6600 County Road 16 Centre, Alabama 35960

Business Phone: 256-475-3701 Emergency: 911

Press Release:  July 13th, 2016

McCord’s Fire Department Receives Grant to Replace Outdated Equipment

            McCord’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department recently received notification from Congressman Mike Rogers that the department has been awarded a $19,585.00 grant to purchase fire hose, nozzles, and appliances. The grant was secured through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). AFG is a program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which awards grants to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. FEMA will cover 95% of the grant, and McCord’s Fire Department will be responsible for a 5% matching share. The matching funds will be generated through the department’s fund drives, which are supported by the communities it serves. Chief Rich Lindsey along with all the members of McCord’s Fire Department would like to thank Congressman Mike Rogers, Representative Richard Lindsey, and Dr. Lori Owens for their efforts in securing this grant.

               Chief Lindsey stated that grants like these are imperative to keeping our rural volunteer fire departments operational. The equipment being replaced ranges in age from 25-30 years old, which is twice the normal life expectancy of such equipment. The department relies on this equipment to deliver water when extinguishing a fire; therefore, having reliable equipment that is in good working order is crucial to firefighter safety, public safety, and the overall effectiveness of the fire department.The equipment purchased will bring the department into compliance with the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines for fire hose, nozzles, and fire hose appliances.

               Not only will this grant benefit the citizens served by McCord’s Fire Department, it will also be an asset to many others due to the Automatic and Mutual Aid agreements in place with all thirteen of Cherokee County’s fire departments, as well as mutual aid agreements with surrounding departments in Georgia and Alabama. The department hopes to have the new equipment purchased and in service by the end of the year.

               Chief Lindsey said, “We are blessed to serve an appreciative and supportive community. Projects such as this one are not possible without the support of the entire community. I would like to personally thank all who support McCord’s Fire Department.”