The Selma Times-Journal

Hard work and dedication almost always pay off.

On Friday, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., announced that the Burnsville Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $43,329 grant to be awarded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness as a part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

“Everybody was really excited,” Burnsville VFD

Chief Olin Huckabee said.

“I’m especially excited.”

Huckabee said this is the first grant the station has ever acquired.

The fire chief said the money will go toward “bettering the department by purchasing some much needed equipment.”

“We’re going to get some new fire hoses and stuff to equip the truck with,” he said.

According to Huckabee, a lot of their equipment is outdated.

Two vital pieces of equipment that will be stocked or replaced are radios and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA).

Huckabee said the radios sometimes pick up “depending on where you are,” so new radios are definitely needed.

The average person may not know what an SCBA is by name, but has probably seen one.

It is a device worn over the face to provide breathable air when firemen are inside a burning structure.

It’s a cousin of sorts to SCUBA gear, which is worn under water.

“We’re trying to better the department for the community,” Huckabee said.

Not only will this grant aid Burnsville, but surrounding communities.

According to Huckabee, Burnsville VFD partners with Jones, Plantersville and Selma fire stations and Selma Rescue.

“Wherever we’re needed, that’s where we go,” he said.

The Burnsville VFD has 19 volunteer firefighters – five of them women, including Huckabee’s wife Trina.

“It’s a big help to the community when you’ve got somebody that’s trying to help people,” Huckabee said.

“We’re all in it together.”