OXFORD, N.C. — Piedmont Electric Cooperative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has loaned $389,000 to help the Total Community Fire Department of Berea purchase a new fire engine to serve a growing area of Granville County.
The funding will help the volunteer department replace a 27-year-old engine and maintain reliable emergency response across its 73-square-mile district. The department serves almost 3,000 residents in Granville County and also responds to emergencies in Person County.
“The new truck is essential to keeping our community and our firefighters safe,” Chief Kyle Mangum said. “As our district continues to grow, we need equipment that is dependable and capable of meeting the needs of the people we serve.”
The new engine is expected to improve the department’s response capacity and help it continue providing safe and effective fire protection throughout its district and in mutual aid responses.
The Total Community Fire Department of Berea has 30 volunteers and seven part-time paid personnel. Fire department leaders expect continued growth in the area, with about 300 new homes projected within the next two years because of a new subdivision off Enon Road.
“This project reflects the kind of investment that strengthens rural communities,” said Jordan Overbee, president and general manager of Piedmont Electric Cooperative. “By partnering to support this new fire engine, we are helping ensure families, businesses and first responders in this area have the dependable fire protection they need now and in the years ahead.”
Piedmont Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 35,000 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.