From Staff Reports

COLUMBIANA – The Summer Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Columbiana has been awarded a federal fire grant in the amount of $237,025 for the purchase of a new fire truck. Congressman Spencer Bachus made the announcement on Feb. 22.

“The members of the Summer Hill Volunteer Fire Department work hard to protect the community and this new fire tanker will help them with their response to calls,” Bachus said.

The volunteer fire department is located on Alabama 25 between Columbiana and Calera.

“It’s especially exciting that this is part of a cooperative project that Summer Hill and several departments have undertaken to improve fire fighting capabilities in the region. We are thankful for the service provided by our firefighters and also recognize their families for the support that they provide,” Bachus said.

Chief Jeff Jones said the department has been trying to acquire a new tanker truck for several years.

“We are part of a task force working to improve the ability of departments in Shelby County and northern Chilton County to transport water to fight fires in the communities that we serve,” Jones said. “We are very appreciative to be selected to receive this grant.”