HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (June 24, 2025) – The Hurdle Mills Volunteer Fire Department has taken a major step in strengthening its emergency response capabilities with the addition of a new Spartan FC-94 fire engine. The $507,000 purchase was made possible through a zero-interest loan facilitated by Piedmont Electric Cooperative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.
The new truck replaces a 17-year-old engine and will serve as the department’s primary vehicle for structure and vehicle fires. With a 1,000-gallon tank and modern features, the truck is equipped to support fire suppression, rescue operations and medical emergencies.
“The USDA REDLG program has been instrumental in helping us upgrade our fleet,” said Chief Blake Whitt of the Hurdle Mills 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 Hurdle Mills Volunteer Fire Department responds to numerous emergency calls annually across Person County, addressing a wide range of incidents. The new fire engine ensures the department remains ready to meet the growing needs of the area it serves.
“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 Hurdle Mills Volunteer Fire Department and honored to play a role in helping 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 $18 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 quality of life and public safety 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.