White Rock Fire Department Celebrates Successes

From a newly activated helipad to a grant for new uniforms and a new Rescue 1 truck, the White Rock Fire Department stands ready to serve.

Staff members celebrated the first anniversary of the helipad this summer. The helipad, located near the fire station off Highway 90, was put into use when a Mercy crew flew in to pick up a patient who needed emergency care.

The all-volunteer White Rock Fire Department works hard to cover an area of 90 square miles. Firefighters utilize two stations -- one in Jane and one off Highway 90 -- to cover a number of incidents.

Having an asset such as the helipad is exceptional for the fire department, which serves folks in some areas that are remote for ambulances to reach, said White Rock Fire Department assistant fire chief Fred Parker.

The department has experienced a series of successes this year, including the acquisition of Rescue 1 truck, which was recently added to the fleet.

Other successes include receiving a grant to purchase 15 new sets of turnout gear, from head to toe.

"The turnout gear that we purchased should arrive, at the latest, in early November," Parker said.

The department has had other firsts, including adding patches for the first time.

Parker said the changes -- small and large -- enable more than 20 volunteers to reach out to the community in an improved, efficient way.

In 1962, a local fire prompted a group of people to gather together to help the community. From there, volunteers have helped build an operation to serve their neighbors. Today, Chief Joe Lahr heads up a staff of active volunteers who aid the community, with two to three people in reserves and two who perform administrative duties.

All operational funds are derived from money that comes from fundraisers supported by the community.

"We want to say a huge thank you to our community for its continued support over the years as we work hard to continually improve," Parker said.

Firefighters work very hard to give of their time to learn more, grow as a group and work together to accomplish such goals as the completion of the helipad, Parker said.