REMC helps two departments with purchase of fire engine

ASHEBORO — Randolph EMC has helped two area fire departments purchase new fire engines.

On Feb. 21, officials from Randolph EMC and state and local fire representatives held honorary check ceremonies at Robbins Fire Rescue and at Ulah Volunteer Fire Department. 

REMC provided two zero-interest loans to these two fire departments within its service territory:

— A $360,000 loan to Ulah Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in Randolph County to help purchase a 1,000-gallon pumper engine. 

— A $225,000 loan to Robbins Fire Rescue in Moore County to help purchase a 3,000-gallon tanker engine. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Randolph EMC grants for each fire truck through the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program (REDLG program). The grants are combined with a 20% match from REMC and loaned to the ultimate recipient at zero percent interest. As funds are repaid, REMC receives the payments into its Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund for relending on the next project.

“We are thankful to receive this funding from Randolph EMC,” said Charlotte King, fire chief of Ulah VFD. “This new fire engine will benefit the residents and businesses of southern Randolph County including Seagrove, Asheboro and neighboring fire districts. This will enhance our emergency response capabilities.”

“Robbins Fire Rescue is proud to accept delivery of a brand-new pumper/tanker that will help us to fight fires, protect property and save lives in Moore County,” said Timmy Brown, fire chief at Robbins Fire Rescue.

Cooperatives like Randolph EMC use REDLG funds to strengthen the communities they serve by helping finance business start-up costs, expansion projects, community development initiatives and more. This program contains two funding opportunities, separately known as the REDLoan program and the REDGrant programs. Under the REDGrant program, the USDA provides grant funds to electric or telephone cooperatives to establish a revolving loan fund. The loan funds support projects that provide rural community development.

These projects represent one of the many ways that Randolph EMC benefits its five-county service territory. In addition to educational grants for teachers, scholarships for students and grants to local charities, Randolph EMC also regularly supports community development efforts through the REDLG program.

“Randolph EMC cannot repay our firefighters for the sacrifice, courage and strength they embody every day. But we can play a small part in improving the tools they work with to save the lives of those in danger,” said Nicole Arnold, communications and public affairs manager for REMC. “We are excited to see the positive impact these new fire trucks will bring to the Ulah and Robbins areas.