Collaboration Between AMVETS Post 1969 and Hayesville Fire Department Strengthens Community Safety
Joe Lyons •
April 4, 2024
Assistant Fire Chief Ed Stoner conveyed the importance of transparency and accountability in utilizing community donations. “What we’re doing today is trying to let people in the community know what’s going on with their money, what we’re spending their money on that they donate to memorial contributions to.”
The highlight of the donation is a state-of-the-art combi tool, equipped with both spreading and cutting functionalities. Stoner elaborated on its utility, explaining its role in firefighting operations, particularly during vehicle-related incidents. “We purchased this combi tool for spreading and cutting. We use it on fire calls, vehicle fires to open hoods, trunks, things like that.”
Jeff Bullard, representing AMVETS Post 1969, shed light on the organization’s commitment to community service and the significance of their contribution to the fire department. “The AMVETS is a nonprofit organization… those monies that we have… we have to donate it. And it was a pleasure to be able to donate here to the local fire department.”
Moreover, Bullard highlighted the diverse community initiatives supported by AMVETS, including contributions to youth sports facilities and a project to honor military veterans through the display of flags in Hayesville. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying veterans for recognition.
Luke Ricketts, a Factory Representative for Howell Rescue Systems Inc., elaborated on the versatility and impact of the 17c Combination Tool. Ricketts emphasized its compact design, requiring less storage space while delivering exceptional performance in both spreading and cutting operations.
“With its compact, lightweight design, it’s perfect for extrication as well as forcible entry on the fireground with the RIT Tips,” said Ricketts. “The Brute tip is Genesis’ strongest tip for brute force operation such as spreading, peeling, and moving steel. Tips can easily be removed to use the tool as a cutter or to utilize The brute tip, forcible entry tip, or ram extension.”
The end of the event saw Assistant Fire Chief Ed Stoner accepting a check worth $4,000 from Hayesville AMVETS Post 1969, by trustee Jeff Bullard. This donation will assist the acquisition of Genesis Rescue Systems Tools and accessories, further enhancing the Hayesville Fire Department’s emergency response capabilities.
The collaboration between the Hayesville Fire Department and AMVETS Post 1969 exemplifies the power of community partnerships in bolstering public safety and stresses the invaluable contributions of organizations.