Local businessman Charlie Fagan announced on Thursday that he would be making $250 donations to each of Cherokee County’s thirteen fire departments. These donations come at a crucial time for volunteer fire departments who rely heavily on fund-drives and donations to deliver fire suppression and rescue services to their communities.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic many fire departments have been forced to cancel fund raisers over the last year resulting in reduced revenues.

Fagan owns Fagan’s Wrecker Services with offices in Centre, Piedmont, and Jacksonville and has been a long-time supporter of volunteer fire departments.

Fagan said “I’m just giving a little bit back to the community; I appreciate the dedication, sacrifice and hard work of all our first responders in keeping us all safe.”

“Donations from local businesses and individuals are absolutely vital to volunteer fire departments,” said McCord’s Fire Department Chief Rich Lindsey. He continued by saying, “Our department suffered nearly a twenty percent decline in revenue in 2020 due to the pandemic and we will utilize this very generous donation to help ensure a timely response of qualified personnel and adequate equipment to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, and other incidents.”

Spring Garden Fire Department Chief and Cherokee County Fire Association President Butch Jacobs said he was honored to receive the much-needed donation and wished to thank Mr. Fagan on behalf of all Cherokee County’s Volunteer Fire Departments.

Anyone who is interested in supporting your local fire department financially is encouraged to do so. If you do not know how to contact your local fire department you may call the Cherokee County EMA office at 256-927-3367 and they will assist you.