Provides Mutual Aid Support to Caliente, Pioche and Lincoln County Fire District

Press Release

(Carson City – Aug. 29, 2012) Lincoln County has been approved for $75,000 from USDA Rural Development?s Community Facility Program funds to purchase an aerial truck for the Panaca Fire Protection District. The funding includes a $35,600 direct loan and a $39,400 grant.

The aerial truck will enhance fire protection services to the 4,165 residents of Lincoln County and the communities of Alamo, Caliente, Pioche and Panaca.

Lincoln County Sheriff /Volunteer Fire Chief Kerry Lee feels ?really fortunate? to have funding for a replacement truck. ?This is huge,? he said. ?Our current truck is a nightmare, and we need an aerial truck to protect the larger buildings, such as the Lincoln County High School.? The truck that is being replaced is an early 1970?s truck that was previously used by the Storey County Fire Department, and before that by the Sparks Fire Department. Lee will be looking for a used but newer model aerial truck with newer technology and safety features. Like many rural communities, Lee serves as both County Sheriff and Volunteer Fire Chief, so he is well tuned to the needs for emergency response in his area.

Lincoln County Chairman George Rowe, who has himself served as fire chief for the City of Caliente, said the USDA funding will make a big difference. ?If we can get a truck through a combination loan and grant, it?s a win-win for these small rural communities,? Rowe said.

USDA Rural Development?s Community Facility Program provides direct loans and grants for health care, such as hospitals, clinics and care centers; public services, such as adult and child care centers, airports, schools, and fairgrounds; and public safety, such as police and fire stations, jails, fire and rescue vehicles and communication centers.