Sophia VFD gets early Christmas present

Sophia area residents enjoyed a chilly afternoon parade Saturday with candy, a horse-drawn buggy and, of course, fire trucks, to get them into the holiday spirit.

This year, however, the Sophia City Volunteer Fire Department received some Christmas cheer of their own.

State Sen. Richard Browning, who was also the Sophia Christmas Parade grand marshal, presented Sophia Mayor Danny Barr and Fire Chief Jeff Pittman a grant for $67,500.

The state funds will go toward replacing old equipment and purchasing some new, said Pittman.

“You always hear about the government being in the way of getting things done, but today we are doing a good thing,” said Browning. “I try my best to make sure that your tax dollars come back home to be used for local projects.

“This money will help our volunteer firemen keep our community safe and keep us safe, not only from fires, but from floods and in car wrecks,” he continued. “These guys are the first responders and are there for us when we call.”

Barr said he knows volunteer firefighters get little thanks sometimes, but they do an excellent job and work very hard to protect Sophia residents and others in the surrounding area.

“Sen. Browning, as well as the other delegates from Raleigh County, have been very good to us. Browning has been especially good to the fire department,” Barr said.

City councilman Gary Bashman applauded the fire department for working tirelessly to acquire the grant.

Pittman added that this week has been an exciting one for the fire department. In addition to the grant funding, they have been able to purchase a ladder truck and a rescue truck.

“They are used, but they are new to us. We are hoping to go pick them up this week and bring them home,” he said.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com