Plainview announced the opening of the new bay at the Plainview Fire Station on December 30. The new bay is large enough to accommodate a 3500-gallon pumper.
“Having this large of a bay opens up all kinds of possibilities for us,” commented Brad Woods, Chief of Luttrell Volunteer Fire Department.
Chief Woods further explained that this new bay means that structure fires can be fought in Plainview, Luttrell and especially in parts of the county where no hydrants exist with minimal transporting of water.
He also stated that the department could now look at grants to fund a new truck. Plainview Mayor Gary Chandler said that the city is dedicated to supporting LVFD and making sure that Plainview citizens have quality fire protection.
Gordon Bright, who is an alderman for Plainview as well as a driver and firefighter for the department, brought the need for a longer bay to the attention of Plainview in late 2022. During the budget planning in the spring of 2023, the Plainview Board of Aldermen explored the possibility of the fire station addition.
Diligent work on the part of the aldermen and Mary Ann Brantley, Plainview Recorder, allowed the addition to be completed in about four months with local revenues of $150,000. The facility has an office/conference room and a large bathroom with a shower in addition to the bay for the truck. Gary Roberts, Concord Properties Inc., was the contractor for the addition.
Chief Brad Woods noted that Engine #22 and the fast response truck were both purchased in 2003-2004 by Plainview using a Community Development Block Grant. He said that the 2000-gallon pumper is nearly ready for a replacement. He added that the department has answered 157 calls so far in 2023 and a new pumper will be needed to keep up with that response.
“Our district is from the Grainger County line out SR 61 and SR 131 through Tater Valley, SR 61 to the ‘Ernie Whitson Curve’ past the winery and SR 370 from SR 61 to SR 144 (Ailor Gap),” said Chief Woods. “But we travel to anywhere in the county we get called to cover.”
LVFD has about 15 active firefighters. Some of the firefighters are following in the footsteps of parents, siblings and cousins who have served and retired from the 41-year-old department. Others now serve on the LVFD Board.
Assistant Chief Justin Hensley appears to be raising two future female firefighters. Hensley says his daughters, Dakota and Skylar, have been around the fire trucks and the station since birth. His older daughter Dakota even dressed as a firefighter for Super Hero Day at Luttrell Elementary.
Blake Crowe’s son Kason, at 2 years old, was thrilled to see the firetruck. Ethan Hensley, Justin’s cousin, is one of the youngest active firefighters. LVFD Board members are Justin McBee, Jeff Woods, Jessica Dyer Woods, Wayne Toppins and Chief Woods.
Chief Woods and all of the firefighters thanked Plainview officials for the new addition and assured them that it would be put to good use.