News
»Parmelee Receives Grant for New Fire Hall
Posted Local at Apr 28, 2011
By Steven Star Boy
Parmelee Community members received good news upon hearing that they’re ongoing reach for a new fire hall will be up and running soon. An April 8th letter from Governor Dennis Daugaard was sent to County Chairperson Gregg Grimshaw confirming a $130,000 community development block grant was approved for the Parmelee Community.
The Parmelee Community needed a fire department building above anything else, so a few of the community leaders got together to discuss what they needed to do. The monthly meeting entailed that they needed a new fire hall, so with the help of Marlene Knutson they pursued a grant.
“The community response to this was outstanding, they gave their full support and even helped with donations,” said Joe Kary.
Community members struggled for as long as 5-6 years with fires breaking out throughout the community and country of Parmelee. Parmelee Fire Chief Tim Murray along with a team of volunteers did what they could to prevent or suppress the fires over the years.
Community members went through some of the most rigourous fires on the reservation, including the big fire of 2009 that almost burned down the only church in town. Parmelee, with a little over 20 men and women volunteers were donated all sorts of gear such as helmets, boots, shovels, radios and other equipment. The community also chipped in for a new truck which has helped the volunteers respond to fires quicker. The only means to fire hall was a small 8x16 ft building, which housed the truck and most of the equipment for the volunteer firefighters.
In addition to the new fire hall, the community members will now have another shelter to go to in case of other emergencies like tornadoes and heavy winter storms.
Breaking of the ground will be set soon after the bids take place determining who will construct the new building.
“We really appreciate that we are getting a new fire hall and we thank everyone for the support they have given so far,” commented Susan Kary.
Parmelee Community members will soon have a new fire hall and new equipment to gain better response to any kind of emergency.
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