Russell County approves funds to help Copper Creek volunteer fire department keep new pumper in service

Chris Vance, the newly elected chief of the Copper Creek and Moxon Volunteer Fire Department, told the Russell County Board of Supervisors on March 30 that his station covers about 78 square miles and faces long water-shuttle times because the nearest hydrant is nine miles away. He said the department had grown its volunteer roster from about 12 to 31 in recent weeks and had upgraded equipment, but still lacked a larger pumper to protect the Moccasin/Castlewood area.

"Engine 49 is more than an upgrade. It's a lifeline," Vance said, describing a 1994 Pierce pumper the department purchased and drove back from New Jersey. He said the truck had a service history that included responding to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, and that it also carries technical-rescue and extrication gear the department lacked.

Vance described the department's out-of-pocket expenses to obtain the used apparatus and to bring it into service, and he asked the board to help absorb those immediate costs so firefighters would have reliable apparatus on their roster. At the meeting he gave purchase and transport totals as "about $11,147" when fees and fuel were included; those figures were presented orally at the meeting and reflect Vance's spoken estimate.

Board members debated funding sources and timing, noting both the department's urgent operational needs and the county's obligation to be fair across volunteer agencies. Several supervisors said casino/public-safety-designated funds were an appropriate source. Supervisor Andrew Hensley moved that the board provide the requested assistance; the motion was seconded and passed. County staff and the treasurer were instructed to work with Chief Vance to document the expenditure and, where appropriate, apply casino or FI27 public-safety funds to cover the cost.

The board vote was taken in open session and the action was approved. The county will coordinate the transfer of funds and accounting; board members said they expect to track how the purchase affects department readiness and mutual-aid arrangements.

What happens next: Treasurer's staff and the county administrator will follow up with Chief Vance on the precise documentation required for the disbursement and will report back to the board if any further approvals are required.