JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Haletown Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD), located in the heart of Guild, has recently been awarded $500 in donations from Cole Construction.
The donation has been made on behalf of Jim and Billie Hundley, residents new to the ongoing River Gorge Ranch development outside of town. Coley Brown, fireman and board member of HVFD, explained the donation was made in appreciation for the fire department’s work and support of the community and River Gorge property. He also explained how HVFD is responsible for all fire and EMS coverages for ongoing construction of the mountainous community.
Because of no water currently fed to fire hydrants installed within the River Gorge property, firefighters are required to transport water up to the top of the mountain with a large tanker engine if a fire occurs on the premises. And if a major accident or extrication occurs, HVFD is also equipped with a rescue truck, containing all the tools needed to help those caught in a life threatening situation while up above the top of the mountain, or for those down below.
The fire department is composed of 16 volunteer firemen, having the largest fire district by square mile in the county . The district covers near 3,000 known structures, ranging as far west as Jasper and as far east as the border with Hamilton County. HFVD is funded through three sources: community donations, state grants, as well as through a department specific subscription service. The service allows for subscribers to be prevented from potentially being billed for a given accident or fire incident.
HFVD responded to 106 incidents last year, establishing the department as the most active within Marion County. All within the fire department are grateful for the donation made by Cole Construction, in addition to all support received from the community. The firemen are also always happy to help serve those in need when the moment calls. And while a new fire department is in the works for the River Gorge Ranch property, HVFD are nonetheless ready to support residents of the subdivision, especially long after its official completion.
Photo provided by Coley Brown
Photo from Left to Right: Dave Harp, Lowell Hardin, Michael Mauk, Warren Cole, Jim Hundley, Billie Hundley.