DBVFD receives new truck

Published 3:58 pm Wednesday, February 5, 2020

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The Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department has received a new truck to carry fire and rescue equipment as part of a USDA and FEMA grant and loan.

The Town of Drakes Branch and its volunteer fire department were notified December 16 they were the recipients of a USDA grant and loan to help with building and equipment needs following Tropical Storm Michael that left the town’s municipal building and fire department damaged by floodwaters.

The town and fire department applied separately for a grant/loan through the USDA under the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant.

The fire department received a $20,000 loan and a $50,000 grant.

According to State Director of Rural Development Elizabeth Walker Green with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Town of Drakes Branch will receive a $17,000 loan and a $50,000 grant.

Green said those funds will be used to purchase a truck for the Public Works Department and furniture and equipment for the new town municipal building.

The town and fire department share the same building, and construction is currently underway for the new building that will be located across the street out of the flood zone, from the damaged building.

Congressman Denver Riggleman visited with members of the fire department and town officials on Saturday, Feb. 1 to see the department’s new vehicle first-hand.

“Thank you to FEMA and USDA for helping secure new vehicles, improved drainage, and a firehouse for Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department,” Riggleman said. “The people of Drakes Branch are strong, and the town will recover.”