Video: Mathiston VFD Helping Out Cumberland

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MATHISTON, Miss.(WCBI)–In the Webster County town of Mathiston, members of the Volunteer Fire Department have an added role. They are handling emergency calls for a neighboring department.

Until further notice, when an emergency 911 call comes in for the Cumberland Community, Mathiston first responders will spring into action.

“We are well equipped, got a neighbor that needs a little help and we’re glad to go up and help them until they get back on their feet going again,” said Mayor Jimmy Carden/Mathiston.

They’ve got several trucks, they’ve got lot of interest up there now. They’ve got a lot of people. They got about 25-30 on the roster now so they’ve come a long ways from where they are,” said Chief Lee Gilliland/Mathiston VFD.

During a state-mandated restructuring period in Cumberland, there is the need to make sure homes and businesses are protected in terms of having available emergency fire service.

“Someone injured, hurt, anything. And 911 call for Cumberland comes directly to us until things are like we want it,” said Jimmy Carden.

For assisting the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department, Mathiston is getting more than just a pat on the back, they are receiving $250 per call.

“We will still be able to cover our area. We’ve got enough trucks and we’ve got enough personnel. And we have made arraignment to the point where every time we have a call up there we still leave people and trucks here in town to cover anything that’s needed here,” said Lee Gilliland.

“Hopefully over the course of time we’re going to help them get that fire rating down to where homeowners can get a better rate on their insurance,” said Jimmy Carden.

We are not sure how long the Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department will be responding to calls in Cumberland, but its sure to be for at least six months.