Texas FD Takes Over as Volunteer Department Disbands

Feb. 22--CORSICANA -- The Navarro County Commissioner's Court will consider providing funding for two additional fire trucks for the Chatfield Volunteer Fire Department, trucks that used to belong to Roane's VFD, as well as discontinuing funding for the Roane VFD when the group meets for a special meeting at 10 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.

The Roane fire department is handing over all its equipment and responsibilities to the Chatfield Volunteer Fire Department, according to Roane Chief Dusty Flanagan, 66.

"We're closing the doors," she said. "I've been doing it for 15 years, and can't get volunteers or honestly donations. It's just not fair to the community to be down to two people and not be able to serve the community."

The station will remain in Roane, with the trucks ready to roll, but Chatfield volunteers will respond to emergencies in the Roane area.

"It's a changing of the guard, I guess," Flanagan said. "It's a good thing. It's hard for me, I'm heartbroken about it, but I couldn't have handed it over to anyone better."

In addition, the court will consider some contracts for the courthouse renovations, including removal of asbestos or hazardous materials, and soil samples for the columns out front.

Janet Jacobs may be reached via email at [email protected]. Want to "soundoff" to this article? Email: [email protected]

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