Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 10, 1995 TAG: 9508100101
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STEWART MACINNIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE LENGTH: Medium
Although the equipment will be based at the Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department, other county fire department will use it.
The Upper Craig Creek department has been gathering pieces of the equipment, but asked the supervisors for the final $600 for a machine to refill air bottles and make the equipment operational.
"I move we go ahead with this because it will serve all the fire departments in the county," said Supervisor John Lee, who earlier had expressed concern about providing special funds for one fire department and not others.
Upper Craig Creek's request comes right after the supervisors used discretionary funds set aside for the fire departments to buy medical insurance for volunteer firefighters.
"The budget is awfully tight," said Zane M. Jones, board chairman. "I'm just afraid that we'll get more requests - what you do for one, you have to do for all."
He said the county isn't in a position to fund all the requests that could be made.
Buddy Taylor, Upper Craig Creek assistant chief, told the supervisors that firefighters must refill air bottles at the New Castle-Craig County Volunteer Fire Department or at a department outside of the county. "I don't have to tell you, that in emergencies sometimes minutes count."
The department has been collecting parts to assemble a system to fill air for several years. The $600 will allow the department to complete an piece of equipment that would cost $2,000 if purchased fully assembled, he said.
Taylor said his department will be able to respond quickly to requests from other departments to refill air bottles.
In another matter, the supervisors agreed to reconsider a request to repair two old modular classrooms at the old New Castle High School. The county-owned modulars now house the Clothes Closet, a charitable organization that distributes clothes to families in need.
Juanita Murray said the buildings need roof repairs and a new air conditioner.
County Administrator Stephen A. Carter told the supervisors last month the repairs would cost about $3,500. The board decided then to forego repairs because the county hopes to dismantle the buildings when renovations to the school's gymnasium are completed this fall.
Jones, saying the Clothes Closet provides a valuable service in the community, added, "we'll take a second look at it."
by CNB