The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

July 6, 2009

Princeville Fire Department to recieve $89,000 in grants

T. J. ROYAL

The Princeville Volunteer Fire Department recently received an $89,000 grant from the federal government.

Princeville Fire Chief Billy Boddie said the grant was the largest one the department has ever received and will be used to purchase a variety of equipment. The equipment includes self-contained breathing apparatus, turnout gear, lights for the department's fire trucks, new pagers, radios, fire hose and generators for a fire truck and for the station.

Boddie said the grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will fund 95 percent of the equipment's cost, with the department covering the remaining 5 percent.

The chief said Edgecombe County Fire Marshal Butch Beach helped fill out the paperwork. He thanked Beach and County Manager Lorenzo Carmon for their efforts helping Edgecombe's fire departments receive grant money for new equipment.

Beach said the money for Princeville is "a nice shot in the arm" to boost the department's equipment.

Boddie called the grant a "big, big plus (that) came at the right time," so the department can outfit their two newest trucks it bought in 2006 and 2007.

Boddie said Princeville currently has a 7/9E ISO fire coverage rating, which it will try to improve to a 6/9E rating next year, hopefully to reduce homeowners' insurance rates in Princeville. He said the new equipment will help.

Princeville's vehicle fleet includes a 1,250-gallon pumper, three 1,000-gallon pumpers and an emergency services vehicle for patient transport.

For the 25 members of Princeville's fire department, Boddie said a lot of time is spent training with the vehicles and equipment, as well as spending "hours and hours" to maintain their equipment.

Through Tuesday, Boddie said Princeville Volunteer Fire Department responded to 307 fire, emergency services and county fire mutual aid calls this year.

He said most of the calls were for fire and emergency services response in rural parts of Edgecombe County.

Text Only
Local News
  • (USE FRONT) One To Go.jpg Tractor pull again a success

    PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • gas prices.JPG Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally

    Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
    After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Garden 1.jpg Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers

    At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4

    Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.

    May 18, 2012

  • Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities

    Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
    And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs.

    May 18, 2012

  • Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:

    Community Swimming Pool
    Poplar Street
    A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
    Tennis Courts

    May 18, 2012

  • keith hale .jpg Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too

    It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.

    May 17, 2012 3 Photos

  • AIB group Submits application

    With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.

    May 17, 2012

  • DSCN3696.JPG Anew creation working to improve lives of youth

    Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community. 

    May 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Muhammad satisfied with term on council

    Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection,  he's ready to ride off in the sunset.

    May 16, 2012