By Chris Lavender
The Free Press
MAURY, N.C. — For the past 50 years, the Maury Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has served its community by helping to save lives.
On Sunday, the volunteer fire fighters joined their families and friends to celebrate the department’s 50th anniversary during fire prevention week.
About 200 people toured the fire department’s headquarters, where two pumper trucks, one tanker and an ambulance are stored. Each year, they respond to about 75 fire calls and 250 emergency calls on an annual $100,000 budget.
Currently, there are 30 volunteer fire fighters serving in the department. Several of the volunteers are Greene Central High School students.
Trey Cash, 17, a senior at Greene Central High, became a volunteer fire fighter in Maury in 2006. He quickly learned how to extinguish fires and give first aid to car accident victims.
Another Greene Central High student, John Ribeiro, 16, started with the department on Feb. 12, 2007. Since then, he has gained experience on live burns, which is how fire fighters practice fighting fires.
“It was scary at first, but after awhile it became fun,” he said.
Marking the 50th anniversary this year is an important milestone, he said. “I hope we have 50 more years.”
Two veterans in the department, Capt. Greg Johnson and Lt. Van Grant, believe the department is headed in the right direction.
“We have accomplished a lot and keep updating our equipment,” Grant said.
During the celebration, a video was played showing the department’s legacy and commitment to the community it serves.
“The community appreciates our service,” fire department Chief Leonard Hardy said. He has served as chief for seven years.
Hardy thanked his volunteer fire fighters for their dedicated service.
“Their work has helped lower fire insurance rates in the area,” he said. The department serves Maury which includes a six mile radius and three state prisons in the district.
Rep. R. Van Braxton attended the open house and thanked the volunteers for their efforts.
“The volunteer fire departments are the first line of defense for rural communities,” he said. “They help the state save money by volunteering and have a great facility.”
Copyright 2007 The Free Press, Kinstin, N.C.