HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (Sept. 2025) – The Anderson Township Volunteer Fire Department has strengthened its emergency response capabilities with the addition of a 2025 Kenworth fire engine, made possible with a $250,000 zero-interest loan. The loan, facilitated by Piedmont Electric Cooperative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, directly assisted the department in purchasing the truck.
The new engine replaces a 1993 model with a 1,500-gallon water tank and 750 gallons per minute (GPM) pump. The 2025 Kenworth features a 2,000-gallon tank, a 1,000 GPM pump and modern safety and performance upgrades. “The USDA REDLG program has been instrumental in helping us upgrade our fleet,” said Assistant Chief Ken Beagle of the Anderson Township Volunteer Fire Department. “This new truck is a key part of our long-term operations strategy and will significantly improve our ability to protect lives and property in our community.”
The department responds to hundreds of emergency calls each year across Caswell County. The new fire engine ensures the department can continue meeting the area’s growing needs. “Facilitating zero-interest USDA REDLG loans allows Piedmont Electric to invest in the safety and resilience of the communities we serve,” said Jordan Overbee, President and General Manager of Piedmont Electric. “We’re proud to support the Anderson Township Volunteer Fire Department and honored to help protect our members and neighbors.”
Piedmont Electric’s community loan program, funded through the REDLG initiative, supports essential rural projects. Since 2014, the cooperative has facilitated more than $19 million in zero-interest loans across Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties. These loans have helped fund critical infrastructure—including ambulances, fire trucks, fire stations and schools—improving public safety and quality of life in the region.
Piedmont Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 34,000 electric accounts in Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties. Piedmont Electric exists to serve our members and improve the quality of life in our communities through local employment, economic development, business engagement, youth education, grants to educators, advocacy for energy issues, community involvement and emergency preparedness support. Visit www.pemc.coop for more information.