CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Commission approved a $100,000 payment to the Pratt Volunteer Fire Department at its meeting Thursday for purchasing a new fire truck.
The fire department has been using a county vehicle since a March crash on Paint Creek Road. Assistant Chief Mike Edwards and Lt. Tom Craigo died in the wreck, while three firefighters were injured and one fire engine was destroyed.
Pratt Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rod Johnson said during the meeting most of the vehicle and its lost equipment are covered by insurance.
“We lost a majority of the equipment,” he said. “We decided when we bought this truck that we would equip it and when it comes through the door, it’d be ready to go.”
Johnson said the fire department is still healing from the fatal crash, but the community has come together to support the firefighters. He said the department had 14 members after the wreck. Now, they are up to 25 firefighters.
“A lot of these people have come back. They were already certified firefighters,” he said.
The funds to replace the fire engine are from the Fire Service Supplemental Appropriation Fund. The vote emptied the account. Johnson said the vehicle could be ready as early as November.
The fire department also presented the commission with a metal plaque recognizing the commission for their work following the wreck. The sign, in the shape of an American flag, was made by Pratt resident John Beaver, who designed and built metallic signs honoring the firefighters shortly after the wreck happened.