While the department serves the community of Crabbs Prairie , its impact can be felt throughout Walker County — and beyond .
“ We do a lot of mutual aid , which is basically when other departments need a grass truck or a tanker or manpower ,” Countz said . “ They say , ‘ Hey , we need this ,’ and we come forth . We ’ ve been to Madisonville , Midway , Bedias , Grimes County , Montgomery County , New Waverly , Huntsville . When the tornadoes hit Onalaska , they were there for almost two nights . They cut trees , cleared paths , searched houses , everything .”
After giving back for decades , Crabbs Prairie VFD is seeking the help of the community .
The department is currently down a brush truck , which was totaled on Father ’ s Day when a weakened tree collapsed on it while responding to a call . The vehicle responded to over 700 calls last year , ranging from fire to medical purposes .
Insurance only covers roughly $ 100,000 of the cost for a new truck , which ranges from $ 140,000-160,000 . And although a new Emergency Service District that was approved in 2019 will bring the department some tax money , these funds will not be available for another two years .
“ Right now we ’ re still shy ,” Countz said . “ We ’ re trying to do the COVID thing of PayPal , donations by check , things like that , because we really can ’ t have the fundraisers . A lot of people aren ’ t comfortable with coming out in big groups , and we completely understand . Our people come out and protect them , and we ’ ll keep doing it — even if we have to give pennies and dimes out of our own pockets to do things .”
Those looking to help out can contact Crabbs Prairie VFD via their Facebook page .
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We ’ re giving back to the community . Our guys are 100 % volunteer . They leave church , they leave their house , they leave Sunday dinner , they leave at 3 a . m . when their family is in bed ... when the alarm hits , they come forth .
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HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 | 25