Hillsborough, NC (June 3, 2021) – Orange Rural Fire Department received a $250,000 zero-interest loan to help pay for a new fire engine. Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation is playing a supporting role in the purchase of the new fire truck by facilitating a loan funded from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.
The Orange Rural Fire Department’s new 1,000-gallon International Cab and Chassis features a 1,250 gpm pump and a 380 hp motor with an Allison Transmission. This truck will aid the department in delivering fire, rescue, haz-mat and emergency medical care services throughout its 62-square mile district.
“The Orange Rural Fire Department has obtained financing through the USDA REDLG program before for a truck and we have since found a need for this loan again,” stated Chief Jeff Cabe. “This engine is a part of the department’s long-term fleet replacement plan and will aid in our efforts to protect life and property.”
The Orange Rural Fire Department responds to an average of 2,000 calls each year throughout central Orange County. The new engine brings their fleet total to four engines, three tankers, one brush truck, one squad truck, one ladder truck, seven support vehicles, a rehab unit, drone and a Polaris six wheel vehicle.
“Facilitating zero-interest USDA REDLG loans allows us to support our communities far beyond our electric service,” said Steve Hamlin, Piedmont Electric president and general manager. “We are proud to work with the Orange Rural Fire Department and appreciate their dedication to serving and protecting one of our communities.”
In the past several years, Piedmont Electric has secured more than $14 million in USDA funding within Orange, Caswell, Alamance, Durham, Granville and Person counties for fire trucks, fire stations, ambulances, schools, a public library and a Habitat for Humanity warehouse. As the funds are repaid, they are re-loaned to assist with future projects in communities served by Piedmont Electric.
Piedmont Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 33,000 electric accounts in Orange, Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville 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, broadband connectivity and emergency preparedness support. Visit www.pemc.coop for more information.
###