Christmas came a little early for Mingo County fire departments Saturday, July 31 in West Williamson as they received some much needed gifts from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. Those gifts were in the form of equipment donated by Bedford Heights, Ohio valued at approximately $50,000.

“Bedford Heights, Ohio had received a grant for new equipment,” said Assistant State Fire Marshal Reed Cook. “They wanted to know if we had a need for it. After receiving it, we felt the fire departments of Mingo County would be able to benefit from the equipment the most.”

Eight of the 11 Mingo County Fire Department’s were represented at the meeting, including: Baisden, Beech Creek, Chattaroy, Delbarton, East Fork, Gilbert, Lenore, and Williamson. Other departments were unable to meet Saturday because of prior engagements.

50K

The Baisden Volunteer Fire Department received the most generous and one of the most essential pieces of equipment for emergency personnel, a set of hydraulic rescue tools, also known as ‘jaws of life’. The set of tools is valued at approximately $12,000 alone.

Twenty-eight sets of gear and air tanks were also given to the fire departments among other various pieces of equipment.

The state fire marshal’s transported the equipment in their state-of-the-art Special Operations Vehicle, a mobile unit designed to be a self-sustaining entity on major fire scenes. The unit provides the marshals with everything they would need on a scene without using other department’s resources while assisting in a disaster. The unit becomes a virtual fire department with built in WiFi connection, a working office, two shelters, and housing for any and all equipment needed to respond to an emergency call.

“Every fire department in Mingo County benefited from this and we feel very appreciative for this opportunity,” said Williamson Fire Chief Jerry Mounts, regarding the donation.