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Wlaf1450Campbell Fire Service, Caryville and Ridgewood Fire Depts., La Follette Rescue among recipients
NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- State Representative Dennis Powers brought back home nearly a half-million dollars in grants to area volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. All entities receiving these grant dollars are totally comprised of volunteers.
“The grant money has been received and spent for much needed turnout gear for our department. We were also able to purchase a washer and dryer,” said Chief Eddie Hatmaker of the Caryville Volunteer Fire Department.
“The grants are a huge help and blessing to allow us to serve the community,” said Captain Daniel Lawson of the Campbell County Rural Fire Service. Lawson is also with the La Follette Rescue Squad.
“The Campbell County Rural Fire Service purchased new washing machines for all stations to allow members to wash their gear after calls to get rid of any carcinogens and blood borne pathogens along with purchasing dual purpose gear that members can wear on wildland fires and vehicle rescues. CCRFS also was able to purchase sets of swiftwater equipment,” said Captain Lawson.
“The La Follette Rescue Squad was able to purchase swiftwater gear for seven members, replace all of the departments rescue rope and devices and buy personnel protective gear for the members,” said Captain Lawson.
“It was a blessing for our department. Prior to the grant, our firefighters had 20 plus year old bunker gear. With fire equipment being so expensive, it would be very difficult to stay compliant without grants like this. We were able to buy the right equipment to help our firefighters be safer and more efficient,” said Chief Dylan Roach of the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department.
“The LRS and CCRFS will soon be attending a course which will allow the county to have a certified Swiftwater team with two departments,” said Captain Lawson.
Below are the departments listed within State Representative Dennis Powers’ district minus Tazewell/New Tazewell. State Representative Gary Hicks and Powers split Claiborne County.
Campbell County Rural Fire Service 27,350.00
Caryville VFD 18,000.00
City of Jellico Fire Department 30,470.00
Ridgewood VFD 79,125.00
Jellico Life Saving & Rescue Squad 49,960.00
LaFollette Rescue Squad 45,340.00
Northeast Union County VFD 25,470.00
Speedwell VFD 74,125.00
Springdale VFD 18,000.00
Tazewell/New Tazewell FD 87,702.00
Total $455,842.00
“Volunteer Fire Departments and Rescue Squads play a vital role in lifesaving for rural areas of Tennessee. It was my honor to support these grant efforts for these brave heroes who run toward danger when all others are running away,” said State Representative Dennis Powers. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-10/20/2025-6AM-PHOTO SUBMITTED)