Sparta VFD looking for volunteers

Thursday, 28 June 2012 by David Tuma

Members of the Sparta Volunteer Fire Department receive training at the Belton Fire Department. The Sparta VFD is currently looking for funding and volunteers.Efforts are being made to re-start the Sparta Volunteer Fire Department in terms of getting organized and receiving training.

Volunteers are currently being trained by the Belton Fire Department and they are training at the former and hopefully future station at 7041 Sparta Rd. They are training three days a week with seven volunteers already certified. Members will also train at the Texas A&M University fire school.

They have two pumper trucks and a brush fire truck. With the Lott VFD and Linn-San Manuel VFD each donating a pumper truck.

"We will try to have somebody on site at all times," Fire Chief David Kirk said. "Several of us live near the station. The fire station will decrease the response time or miles traveled and should help with the insurance rates of the home owners in the area."

They are in need of equipment in terms of small fire boots, fire hoods, radio's, tools, ventilation fans and flashlights used for fire fighting.

They have 12 volunteers and need more.

"There is always a job you can do to help out," said Captain Joe Whiteley.

There will be future fund raising events and they currently have two area bands lined up for a benefit concert and they need a few more.

For more information contact Kirk at (254) 760-3272.

Funding for the department will come from grants, fundraisers and Bell County if the department becomes active.

In order to become a reality, the Sparta Volunteer Fire Department must be approved by the Bell County Commissioners and the Bell County Fire Chiefs. They hope to have enough certified fire fighters to be able to create a volunteer fire department by the end of August.

The Sparta Valley and Wooldlake area near Lake Belton is currently served by the Nolanville Volunteer Fire Department.

For more information, visit www.spartavfd.com.

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