River residents won’t have as long to wait for fire-rescue

assistance. That’s because the north Baldwin County community’s

volunteer fire department is anticipated to be operational next

month.

the end of January,” Little River VFD Assistant Chief Larry Kiper

said in a telephone interview.

the service about began, the organization already has its paperwork

in order.

by the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Baldwin County Firefighters

Association and the County Commission,” Kiper said. “We’ve got

blessings from all three of them.”

funding administered through the county commission.

every couple of months,” Kiper said, explaining that the funds will

pay operational costs for the volunteer department that’s housed in

a community bordering Monroe County.

department now has a temporary home located on Alabama Highway 59

in Little River.

said, explaining that a building on the property houses the fire

department that is already being put to use. “On the first and

second Monday of every month we have our meetings.”

sure each of the department’s 12 volunteer firefighters is ready

for service when the time comes. But the meetings aren’t the only

preparations being made. Instead, each individual has participated

in training.

are available online,” Kiper said.

learning to work with the two used firetrucks donated by Perido and

Nexia fire departments. According to the assistant chief, that

training is conducted by the three firefighters who have experience

volunteering with other departments.

received donations from other departments, as well. Items donated

include truck ladders from Rosalington Fire Department in

Robertsdale and helmet and additional gear from Gateway FD. But

more equipment is still needed.

Kiper said.

on ways to obtain them.

weeks ago,” Kiper said of a recent catfish and barbecue plate sale.

“We did fair.”

have radios on hand and in working order by the end of next month

so the department can begin answering calls for help by then. In

the meantime, plans are under way for another fundraiser.

the spring,” Kiper said.