New Volunteer Fire Department opened in Gresston

EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With the American Flag flying high, the Gresston Volunteer Fire Department opened its doors Saturday morning.

Bob Braswell is the Chief of the department. He was grateful and how involved the community was in bringing the new building.

“Our community is a very giving community and they have been really helpful in getting us to where we today,” Braswell said.

The fire department didn’t have to spend a dime.

“Well the county did not have the ability to help us pay for it, except through SPLOST money. We didn’t want to raise any taxes, so we started going around tryna find grant sources,” he said.

They got one from the Arconic company, formally known as Alcowa. They grant will give the fire department $10,000 each year for three years.

But, the grant only covered part of the money needed for the new facility. Other parts like the land, electricity, and even a rescue truck were donated by someone.

“We are just excited about everything that the community has donated, everything that the community has provided and we are just thrilled to be in a new building,” Braswell said.

Lynn brown is the wife of the late chief of the Gresston Fire Department. She said her husband would have liked the new building.

“It’s very sad to be here without my husband, but he would have been very proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Brown said.

Because the Gresston Community is all about sticking together.

“This community is very tight. They look after each other. They support this fire station in any way. I mean it’s always been that way. It’s been a very great experience being a part of the family of the Gresston Fire Department.”

And the fire chief is grateful for such a dedicated family.

“I’m just excited and I thank all of our firefighters because without them I wouldn’t look near as good,” he said.

And thanks to the community, the fire department is debt free.