Local Community of Richland County will benefit from much Needed New Fire Truck

Firehouse: Pictured from left to right: Deputy Chief Harry Tinsley, Columbia Fire Department; Division Chief Scott Jacobs, Columbia Fire Department; Michael Edmonds, Assistant Chief for Administration, Columbia Fire Department; Michael Byrd, Director, Richland County Emergency Services; Valeria Jackson, Director, Richland County Community Development; Aubrey D. Jenkins, Fire Chief, Columbia Fire Department and Larry Knightner, SC HUD Field Office Director

The fire station at 1631 Clarkson Street in Hopkins has a new addition to help fire crews protect the community thanks to Richland County Community Development in celebration of Community Development Week. Richland County Community Development purchased the $422,000 fire pumper truck with HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Larry Knightner, South Carolina HUD Field Office Director joined residents, community leaders and fire officials to celebrate the kick off last month of National Community Development Week.

"Some years back, a fire took place in this area that resulted in the loss of housing," said Valeria Jackson, Director of Community Development. "Anything that Community Development can do to prevent that again is worth it."

The new fire truck accommodates four people, their breathing apparatus and their protective equipment. Its safety features include driver and passenger airbag systems, a state-of-the-art communication system, and scene lighting. The fire truck is capable of pulling water from static sources, such as ponds, as well as boasting a 1,200 gallon tank capacity and features foam cells to help combat hazardous materials fires.

Richland County Community Development staff administers Federal CDBG and Home Investment Grant funds. These funds benefit low and moderate income neighborhoods in unincorporated Richland County.

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