The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

December 20, 2007

Bradley-Prosperity VFD closes station on Ragland Road

By Amelia A. Pridemore

The Bradley-Prosperity Volunteer Fire Department has sold one of its three stations, but the chief says fire protection and homeowners’ insurance rates in the area it serves will not suffer.

Chief Bruce James confirmed Thursday that the department’s Station No. 2 on Ragland Road has been sold. He declined to name a price. However, the department made a deal with the building’s purchaser to keep a fire engine at the building for at least one year, so fire protection and insurance ratings would not be affected.

James said the move comes after the department has undergone financial hardship. In November, the department’s bingo operations were halted. He said the department also lost money after video lottery legalization and leasing the Beckley Motor Speedway, and it owed multiple creditors.

James now says financial conditions are improving and the department plans to eventually build another station on Ragland Road if conditions are favorable. Selling the No. 2 station and property located across the road from the department’s main station on W.Va. 16 in Bradley has led to the improvements.

“We are still working hard,” he said. “A lot of people owed money are paid, but it’s still a struggle every day.”

He noted the department already has materials needed to construct a new station on Ragland Road, but it just needs property.

However, it must still find an effective way to generate revenue, James said. Bingo operations remain halted until further notice.

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