Published: June 20, 2008 11:22 pm      

Blaine VFD receives Jaws of Life funds

BLAINE — The rural Blaine Volunteer Fire Department received a check for $12,500 from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Friday to purchase a new Jaws of Life rescue tool.

Gov. Steve Beshear said the purchase will provide an important tool for the community.

“It is a priority to provide communities with the equipment they need to protect our citizens,” Beshear said. “I applaud the leadership of Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins and Sen. Walter Blevins for their commitment to the well-being of the people of Blaine.”

Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, said the new equipment will be a vital asset for the community.

“I want to thank the Blaine Volunteer Fire Department for contacting me about this much-needed equipment which will improve their capacity to respond to emergency situations,” he said. “This equipment can mean life or death in an accident and I want to thank the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the need for this very important lifesaving device. This will continue to improve the quality of life for the residents in the entire Blaine community.”

Sen. Blevins, D-West Liberty, said the new equipment will be of tremendous value in the isolated Blaine community.

“It is gratifying we can provide this type of equipment to a rural area,” he said. “During an emergency, seconds count, and without this grant it would be a long drive to get the Jaws of Life to Blaine.”

Adam Edelton, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, said partnerships with first responders around the commonwealth have helped identify critical needs and provide funding to address those situations.

“In the past, the Office of Homeland security hasn’t been as supportive of rural volunteer fire departments as they should have been,” he said, citing the selfless nature of volunteers who run into burning buildings and serve as first responders in crisis scenarios. “This is not a lot of money, but it is an important recognition. Supporting rural volunteer firefighters is a big part of doing the right thing.”

The $12,500 grant presentation to the Blaine Volunteer Fire Department was made during the annual Lawrence County Farm and Home Field day Friday evening at Blaine City Park.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.