By CHAD COOPER
The Grundy Volunteer Fire Department has secured a $28,000 grant to purchase 10 additional air packs, department Capt. Corey Viers told the Grundy Town Council during its Aug. 11 meeting.
Viers presented the department’s monthly report because Fire Chief Bob Anderson was unable to attend the meeting.
Viers said he and Town of Grundy Finance Director Donna Smith worked together to secure the grant from the Thompson Foundation. The department is also waiting to hear whether it will receive two additional grants.
The funding will provide firefighters with vital breathing equipment used when entering burning buildings and other hazardous environments.
During July, the department responded to 13 calls, including five within the Town of Grundy and eight outside town limits.
Viers said the department’s fire trucks underwent required pump testing during the month, and all of the trucks passed. Department members also joined the Grundy Police Department for the community’s National Night Out event.
Firefighters recently completed a safety walk-through of the new Southern Gap High School, allowing members to become familiar with the building before it opens to students Aug. 21.
The department also moved its radio repeater to the Virginia State Police tower on Elkins Branch. Viers said the move will provide better radio service while saving the department approximately $900 annually.
Viers also reminded council members that Aug. 12 marked the 79th anniversary of the Grundy Volunteer Fire Department’s establishment.
The department is preparing for the arrival of its new fire truck. Viers said the final specifications are being completed and the truck is expected to arrive in late August or early September.
“We are excited and very appreciative,” Viers said.
Once the truck arrives, the department plans to schedule a commissioning ceremony involving Buchanan County, the Town of Grundy and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner’s office.
Viers also reported that four department members tested to become certified instructors Aug. 1. Those members were Shane Anderson, Ryan Clark, Wyatt Surber and Angel St. Clair.
Although the results had not been received at the time of the meeting, Viers said he was optimistic that all four would pass. If successful, the department would have 11 instructors.
