Friday, November 21, 2008
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Recent
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Upcoming Training |
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History
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The West Lexington Fire Department was formed on September 27,
1954 by a group of 120 residents in the community. The department became incorporated
in January of 1955. The first fire department was built in 1955 with an investment
of $6000 in cash for the department and truck along with thousands of dollars in
labor and materials being donated. The first firefighters did not have badges, helmets
or turnout gear. Members who wanted badges had to buy them on their own. Instead
of wearing turnout gear the firefighters wore raincoats. |
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The first fire truck was a used 1942 Ford purchased for $1050.00.
Members held fish fry's in order to raise money. At times the firefighters would
have to pass the hat in order to put gas in the truck. Over the past 46 years the
fire department has seen many changes. Now we have four engines and a QRV used for
medical assist. The current fire department was constructed in 1975. Now the fire
department not only provides fire protection but also provides medical assistance
with many of the members being certified at the EMT level or higher. The department
began staffing one firefighter from 8a-5p everyday in 1999, allowing an even quicker
response during normal working hours. On May 1, 2001, the department began
staffing two personnel from 8a-5p everyday. The department also began responding
to medical calls, with the added benefit of an AED. In July 2002, the department
purchased a complete set of
Hurst rescue tools, including air bags for vehicle
accidents. The department also purchased a Thermal Imaging Camera for firefighters
to use while searching for victims or hidden fire during structure fires. In 2006, West Lexington Fire Department became West Lexington Fire
& Rescue. The department obtained light rescue and medical responder certification
through the NC Association of Rescue and EMS. This now allows the department
to provide light rescue services as well as the fire and medical responder services
that we already provided to the citizens of the West Lexington community. |
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Over the past couple of years the department has recieved federal
funding through the Assistance to Firefighters grant program allowing us to update
several pieces of our equipment including SCBA, Nozzles, Supply hose and portable
radios. The acquisition of the equipment would not have been possible without
the Assistance to Firefighters grant program funded through FEMA. |
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Run Totals
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2008 |
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Jan |
69 |
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Feb |
55 |
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Mar |
42 |
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Apr |
37 |
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May |
48 |
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Jun |
56 |
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Jul |
47 |
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Aug |
56 |
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Sep |
44 |
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Oct |
47 |
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Nov |
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Dec |
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Total: |
501 |
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