Mereta Volunteer Fire Department remodel
A volunteer fire department seeks to make improvements to its fire hall which serves double duty housing firefighting equipment and functioning as a community hall. Upgrades focus on ensuring the building can serve as an emergency shelter if and when needed and allow the space to continue to be a gathering place for community and club events.
Why It Matters
The Mereta volunteer fire department serves an area of roughly 8,000-10,000 people. Since it was built by local community members in the 1980s, the fire hall has undergone very few changes or upgrades. Because the department is volunteer, the funds available are very limited. Most, if not all, of the departments funds are used for fire truck maintenance, repairs, fuel, insurance, and building utilities. Unfortunately, this has meant that many of the buildings improvement projects have been sidelined. Not only does the fire hall house two fire trucks, it also serves as a community center and gathering area for the Mereta community. During the historic winter storm in Texas this past winter, it became evident the fire hall would also benefit greatly from a generator. If equipped, the space could also be used as an emergency shelter for residents who were without power.
The Impact
“One aspect of the volunteer fire department members and the community members is that we all care and look out for each other,” said project nominator Justin Book. “When a family loses a member, the hall is used by others to barbecue a meal for the family, friends, and loved ones. Also, residents help put fundraisers together for community members who are suffering from a tragic loss or fighting a serious illness. These aspects are what I’m so proud of. To see people care and help their fellow community members out is what makes the Mereta VFD an amazing organization.”
To see people care and help their fellow community members out is what makes the Mereta VFD an amazing organization.
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