Published: December 02, 2008 10:57 am      

County fire departments receive check

ADA — Legislation championed by Sen. Susan Paddack in the 2008 session has resulted in a $10,400 grant to Pontotoc County rural firefighters.

The funds, administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, will be used to buy a communications repeater system that can be accessed by all fire departments in the county.

“Our rural fire departments are crucial for the protection of life and property and in order to do their job, these men and women must have the tools necessary,” said Sen. Paddack. “I am proud to support their efforts by working to make sure our firefighters have the resources they need.”

John Burwell, state forester with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the lead agency in supporting rural fire departments, said improved communications is vital to the county’s firefighters.

“We can’t stress enough how important good communications is in dealing with fire effectively and safely,” Burwell said. “This is a real benefit to everyone in Pontotoc County.”

Pontotoc County commissioners also helped in the process to secure the funds for this project. Representatives from county fire departments were on hand to receive the check at Pontotoc Technology Center Monday.

“I appreciate all you do,” Sen. Paddack said to the firefighters Monday.