Local firefighters offer helping hand in Danville

Local News

February 1, 2009

By SUSAN WHEELDON, CJ Staff Writer The Commonwealth Journal Sun Feb 01, 2009, 01:22 AM EST

Local emergency workers want to help neighbors — no matter whether it’s a neighbor in Pulaski County or around the state — that need assistance in the current rough winter weather.

Members of agencies throughout Pulaski County gathered early yesterday morning with temperatures still in the teens to travel to Danville, Ky., to help clean up storm damage from last week’s winter storm which hit the area hard.

In Boyle County, there have been electricity and water issues, roads have had to be cleared of debris, and as of Saturday morning, shelters were still open in the area.

“It might happen to us next week or the week after and we’ll need their help,” said Paul Coomer, chief of the Somerset-Pulaski County Rescue Squad, who was leading the group.

“We have to help each other out in this type of weather,” he added.

Coomer said they received a call on Friday from an official in Danville asking if Pulaski County could send volunteers to help cut away trees in the roads, which have made it difficult for people to get out of their houses.

Coomer said he and Public Safety Officer Tiger Robinson talked and decided to let the departments know about the assistance effort. Those that could go would leave early Saturday morning from the Hal Rogers Fire Training Center. Agencies who have had members lend a hand in the clean-up included Bronston, Burnside, Eubank, White Lily, Woodstock, Faubush and the Pulaski County Rescue Squad.

Volunteer firefighter Scott Stevenson of the Bronston Volunteer Fire Department said he believes when people need help, that’s exactly the scenario he and his fellow responders are here for, and he really didn’t have to think about it before deciding to pitch in.

“If you’ve ever been in a situation you need help and can’t get it,” said Stevenson, “you don’t have to think about it.”

Upon arrival in Danville on Saturday, Coomer said, the trees were still covered in ice, which just starting to melt since it was the first time temperatures were reaching above freezing in several days, and there were still a lot of roads which still had trees in them. Coomer said some crews stayed in downtown Danville, while others traveled out in the county near Perryville to cut trees and brush.

“There is still a lot of work to do,” Coomer said.

Coomer said the crews were going to be back in Danville today continuing to assist in other areas, doing whatever way is needed.

The chief said they all just want to help out any way they can and they will try to continue to do so as long as they are needed.

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