Fire Fighters Discuss Upcoming Levy
By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter
January 11, 2012
Finley Fire sales representative Jody Beckett opened the Raleigh County Firefighters Association meeting Tuesday night by telling the members about new equipment, gear and thermal energy cameras.
The question raised shortly thereafter — How can fire departments purchase new equipment if some of them are struggling just to pay their bills?
Around 30 representatives from area fire departments spent two hours discussing ways to promote the fire levy that will appear on the primary election ballot in May.
With increases in workers’ compensation premiums, utility bills and general maintenance, many fire departments across the county and state are struggling simply to stay afloat.
Beaver Fire Chief Moose Cowger says that around 40 pieces of equipment in the county were tested and 70 percent of the engines failed pump testing.
Beckley Fire Department lieutenant and Beaver VFD firefighter Bryan Trump said that many engines are so old, parts are no longer being made for them.
Coal City Fire Chief Mark Stiefer said he believes many people are not educated about the costs associated with running a fire department.
“No one understands that we have bills,” Quentin Fowler, of Beaver VFD, said. “There is no money tree out back.”
Fowler said if the levy passes, “It would help us tremendously to take care of our everyday bills. Our gas bills run $700 to $800. If it doesn’t pass, we’ll have a hard time keeping up.”
In addition to the rising cost of bills, gear to keep the volunteers safe is also a huge expense. The average cost of a fire fighter’s uniform is $20,000.
Stiefer says safety is the number one priority of the association, but “the gear that we have right now, just personal protective gear is not up to national standards.”
Several men mentioned that they have to learn from other counties while promoting the levy for Raleigh County.
If the levy passes, Trump suggests following suit with Fayette County by placing a certain amount of money aside in order to hold a special election for next time, instead of attaching the levy to the general election.
He also wants to reach out to other counties to see “what resistance they’ve met with the public and how to overcome it.”
Near the end of the meeting, a committee was appointed to make sure fliers are created. They plan to hand fliers out at schools, store parking lots and churches.
“There are a wide range of voters and we need to find a way to reach them all,” Trump said.
By voting yes for the fire levy, Cowger says it’s a cost effective move to keep homeowners premiums down. “Pay now to save later. It’s a good return on investment.”
With the passage of the levy, homeowners would be paying about $1 per week more in taxes to keep fire departments running.
“It’s a big opportunity for all of us,” Clear Creek Fire Chief Shane Wriston said. “We’ve got to want this. We’ve got to fight for it. We’re in bad shape in Raleigh County. This levy is on top of the list. Everyone needs to get involved.”