Pine Belt volunteer fire department looking to raise money

FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – Firefighters at the Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department are given the task of battling flames to keep the community safe.

But in order to do so, they have to have the proper equipment.

That’s why the VFD’s captain said the department is rolling out a couple of new partnerships.

“We’re really excited about what we’ve got going on here,” said Austin Extine. “Number one, we’ve partnered with the Barrontown Water Association.”

Extine said folks that use Barrontown Water can call the association and opt into a program that adds $1to their bill.

At the end of the month, that money goes straight to the fire department.

“That’s going to help us with our larger purchases, such as buying new types of tools we have to have, such as extrication tools,” Extine said. “Any types of positive inhalation fans. Stuff that helps us do our jobs and help keep the community safe.”

Extine said every dollar helps, especially since it can be pretty expensive to provide even one firefighter with necessary clothing, equipment.

“Head to toe, to outfit a firefighter costs a little less than $11, 000,” he said. “That’s just the protective equipment that he needs to have on to be able to go into the fires.”

Another partnership the department developed has been with the Pine Belt Foundation.

PBF executive director Michael Dixon said the organization will be there to help with both small and large purchases.

“It’s not just for one specific thing,” he said. “As time goes on, we’ll continue to grow those funds, and when needs come up. It could be small equipment purchases, or really, even one day if they need an entire fire truck, that’s something this fund could be used for.”

To donate, visit pinebeltfoundation.org or call the Pine Belt Foundation at (601) 583-6180.

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