FEMA gives grant to Level Plains volunteer fire department

The Level Plains Volunteer Fire Department will soon return their borrowed fire truck and purchase one of their own.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the fire department with $71,250 towards a new vehicle. The team applied for $75,000, and will make up the difference with funds from the department.

“I guess the screening committee looked at what we’re working with and decided we’re worthy,” said Fire Chief Jamie Gatlin. He said his team has been using a circa-1970s brush truck on loan from the Alabama Forestry Commission. “It’s constantly breaking down and in need of repair.”

Level Plains is one of only four towns in Alabama to recieve part of a $319,183 grant.

Mayor Tyrus Waters gushed about the pride he had for the department and recognized how hard they work.

“They strive to stay up-to-date and keep up on training on their own,” said Waters. “We applied for this, and it’s competitive so we’re very fortunate. Being out in a rural area, we need it. It’s a real asset.”

Gatlin said the department’s funding comes from tobacco and property taxes but that it does not cover the costs of running an all-volunteer fire department.