Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
On Thursday, Sept. 22, Florida State Senator Loranne Ausley paid a visit to Madison County Fire Rescue (MCFR). To the delight of MCFR Chief Alan Clayton, she did not come empty-handed. The purpose of her trip was for a ceremony, during which she presented a check for $454,986 for the purpose of purchasing a new pumper truck and refurbishing the department's front-line fire engine in order to bring the engine up to current standards.
According to a press release from Sen. Ausley's office, the new funding for the needed upgrades for MCFR were the result of “a cooperative effort of Sen. Ausley and Rep. Jason Shoaf to improve public safety.”
“In small communities, when costs increase, badly needed equipment maintenance and purchases often get put off to squeeze a little more out of each budget dollar. We recognize the unique challenges small and fiscally constrained counties like Madison County face. It’s why we are committed to providing continued state and federal investment in our smaller rural communities,” said Senator Ausley. “This year, we heard an urgent call for help from Madison and other small counties. We made sure your voice was heard in Tallahassee, and I’m proud to bring this critical investment home for the people of Madison County.”
The new pumper truck is a welcome addition to MCFR as it will provide improved access to fires in taller buildings.