Waldens Creek, TN, Fire Chief Remembers Dolly Parton's Generous Donation after Wildfires
Following the 2016 wildfires, Dolly Parton didn't simply thank firefighters.
She gave eight volunteer fire departments $20,000 as well as $40,000 to the Sevier County training center.
"It was a great contribution. To the volunteer fire departments, $20,000 is a lot of money. At our department, we were able to replace the roof and buy some needed equipment," Waldens Creek Fire Chief Tim Baker told CNN.
Other area departments used the money for similiar projects.
"She was really down to earth. She came in joking with all the firefighters that day. It was like meeting an old friend you hadn't seen for a while."
Baker said Dolly always made it a point to look after people especially in her hometown.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.