Georgia-Pacific Donates $15,000 to Local Volunteer Fire Departments, CORRIGAN, January 8, 2019 - Georgia-Pacific is hoping to make local firefighters’ jobs safer and more efficient by helping them gain access to new equipment and life-saving training. Recently the local building products manufacturer in Corrigan and Camden donated $15,000 to the volunteer fire departments in Livingston and Corrigan.
The Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department receives a $10,000 donation from Georgia-Pacific’s Plywood and Lumber facilities in Polk County. Corrigan Volunteer Fire Chief John Walter Cobb (Center) accepts the donation from Georgia-Pacific Camden Lumber Plant Manager Danny Wright. Also representing the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department are firefighters (pictured l to r) Cody Warren, Joseph Stevenson, Anita DeHart, JR Lopez, Joseph Olige, and Stoney DeHart. Representing Georgia-Pacific are Chris Bluethman, Corrigan Plywood Plant Manager; Lester Knight, Camden Plywood Plant Manager; Maria Belschner, Camden Lumber Human Resource Manager; and Cathey Page, Camden Complex Human Resource Manager.
Stop having to buy new tires every six months! FIX IT ONCE AND FOR ALL!
According to Corrigan Volunteer Fire Chief John Walter Cobb, the funding is critical to the Corrigan operation. “Each year the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department responds to more than 200 fires within the area—and that doesn’t include the number of times the volunteer firefighters assist local law enforcement officials with motor vehicle accidents,” said Cobb. This year the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department received $10,000 from Georgia-Pacific to purchase life-saving equipment and to fund daily operations. As a beneficiary of previous Georgia-Pacific funds, the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new fire truck in 2017 and thousands of dollars in personal protective equipment. It is estimated that two-thirds of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers; therefore, organizations like the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department don’t have access to government funding. The same goes for the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, which received a $5,000 donation from Georgia-Pacific.
Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood Plant Manager Chris Bluethman (center) presents Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran a $5,000 check to help fund new equipment and training for Livingston firefighters. Representing the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department and Georgia-Pacific are (pictured from left to right) Josh Mohler, firefighter; John Haynes, firefighter; Danny Wright, Camden Lumber Plant Manager; Lester Knight, Camden Plywood Plant Manager; Maria Belschner, Camden Lumber Human Resource Manager; Cathey Page, Camden Complex Human Resource Manager; and Landon Smith, firefighter.
Operating from four emergency response stations throughout the city, The Livingston Volunteer Fire Department answers approximately 600 calls annually. The department is made up of more than 40 unpaid volunteer firefighters. “These volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep our community safe,” said Corky Cochran, Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Chief. “Although we are a volunteer fire department, we offer a full-service operation that consists of fire suppression, rescue, assistance with motor vehicle accidents, medical assistance, and hazardous materials responders.” With the recent contribution from Georgia-Pacific, Cochran says the organization can continue to enhance its services by outfitting its first responders with the latest in fire protection gear. “We couldn’t be more appreciative for the additional funds. Area businesses, like Georgia-Pacific, are helping us carry on the mission that began in 1915 when the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department was created.” According to Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood Plant Manager Chris Bluethman, the Livingston and Corrigan Volunteer Fire Departments have a long-standing history for providing the highest level of professional service. “We are privileged to have such an innovative and aggressive group of men and women on the front lines protecting our homes and businesses. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with these first responders.” Since 2006, Georgia-Pacific has contributed more than $2 million to fire departments across the nation to purchase protective clothing and replace damaged safety gear and aging equipment.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at pctletters@gmail.com. Be sure to include the story subject in the subject line of your email, also list your name and town in your letter. Your letter will be posted in Letters to the Editor.
