The Crenshaw County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments recently received state grant checks for each individual fire department within the county at its June 15 meeting. State Senator Wendell Mitchell and State Representative Charles Newton were on hand to present the checks to each department.

The checks, which were for $1,904.52 each, were appropriated by the legislature and administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission.

The funds will be used by each volunteer fire department for supplies and needed equipment. These funds will total more than approximately $22,800 for fire services in Crenshaw County.

&#8220You are the grassroots of this area,” Sen. Mitchell said. &#8220You touch every family in a favorable way in your communities, and I've thoroughly enjoyed working with you.”

Mitchell said that in the last session of the Legislature, eight bills passed that were designed to help firefighters.

&#8220We usually get only one or two through, so having all eight to pass was almost unheard of,” he added. &#8220These bills just happened to have come to the committee which I chaired. I hope that I have shown you in some small way through the years just how much I appreciate what you do for others.”

Rep. Newton said that he was giving out a check in Conecuh County, and the man who was to receive the check was late because he had responded to a wreck.

&#8220That man was a prime example of how important you are to your community,” Newton said.

Tim Money, the county manager for the Alabama Forestry Commission, praised Mitchell and Newton for their contributions.

&#8220I can't say enough about these two men and the help they have given to us,” Money said.

He added that the grant money would go toward much needed equipment.

&#8220We just had to purchase radios and firefighting equipment,” Money said. &#8220As you can see, these funds will certainly be put to necessary uses.”