Support pours in for burned-down fire department
BRUCETON, Tenn. — The Bruceton Fire Department finds itself in an unfamiliar position: the victim of a fire. Wednesday morning, flames believed to be sparked by a faulty alternator on a truck destroyed the fire department and a lot of essential equipment. Despite this massive loss, the department will continue to serve and protect the people of Bruceton with the help of a few friends. “My heart sank,” Hollow Rock Fire Chief Larry Jarnagin said. “This is the worst possible feeling. Fire stations aren’t supposed to burn.” In the aftermath of the fire, local communities are helping out. “We all work together,” Huntingdon Fire Chief Steve Price said. “We’re a team and that’s what it’s all about, protecting and serving.” A few miles down the road in Hollow Rock, their fire department is allowing Bruceton to set up shop there until they get back on their feet. “We’ve made a place for them to house their equipment and respond out of our station should they get a call,” Jarnagin said. Bruceton Fire Chief James Sloan said firefighters from all over are looking to help. “We’ve had calls from Pennsylvania and Indianapolis offering help and support,” Sloan said. Locals already are coming to the rescue. “Turnout gear, boots, helmets, whatever we can donate to them,” Price said. “We’re going to gather some stuff to help them out.” Sloan said although they might be a little slower to respond, the rest of the county will be there to have their back. Fire officials said none of the equipment salvaged from the fire is usable and new equipment will cost upwards of $200,000.
