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FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY – Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Alabama Legislature have awarded an $18,000 grant to Cahaba Valley Fire & EMR District. The grant enabled the district to purchase four electric ventilation fans, essential for reducing carbon monoxide exposure to firefighters and the community.

Chief Buddy Wilks with the Cahaba Valley Fire & EMR District said the district formerly used gas-powered fans during emergencies, which carried the risk of introducing additional carbon monoxide into the affected areas.

“In carbon monoxide emergencies, (the electric fans give) us the ability to ventilate the house, remove the carbon monoxide without adding more carbon monoxide to the area,” Wilks said.

The district received the grant from Cawaco RC&D, which provides competitive grants to towns and nonprofits that often face challenges in securing funding from larger sources. This funding is made possible through the support of the Alabama Legislature.

“This is one of the most challenging areas to fund, so we need all the help that we can get funding our district firefighters,” State Rep. Susan DuBose said. “I’m a big fan of these folks; I know how hard y’all work and it’s an honor for me to be able to play a small part in this.”

State Rep. Arnold Mooney also emphasized the importance of supporting local fire departments, recognizing the impact of grants like these on community safety.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help the Cahaba Valley Fire Department further advance its mission to serve the citizens of north Shelby County,” Mooney said. “I am also proud to partner with Cawaco RC&D to provide the funding for worthwhile projects such as this. Fire departments are always in need of additional resources to help them purchase equipment and I am proud to play a part in providing that funding.”

Supporting first responders is a priority for Cawaco RC&D and in 2023, they funded seven projects for first responders across Central Alabama.

“All of our fire trucks will now have a fan like this, and it’s because of a program like this that we’re able to do it,” Wilks said.

Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports educational and community development projects in Central Alabama. Cawaco RC&D serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties.