Moundsville Volunteer Fire Department Asking For Support
Department in Need of Air Bags for Rescue Efforts

Every day, members of our local law enforcement and fire departments put their lives on the line to serve and protect members of our community. Now, one local volunteer department is hoping the community can join together to help them.

The Moundsville Volunteer Fire Department is asking businesses and individuals for help in replacing a set of air bags. The bags cost approximately $8,000. The air bags are used to rescue individuals trapped under heavy equipment. Recently, one of the air bags failed under test conditions. “The bags operate to help release a person entrapped under a heavy object, such as a vehicle, tractor, machinery, or similar situation,” explains Brad Varlas, a 27-year member of the department. “A bag is placed in position under a heavy object and inflated with air. When the bag begins to rise, it lifts the object, allowing us enough time to pull the person to safety,” continues Varlas.

Danny Holmes, who has served as the fire chief of the department for 12 years, is thankful the air bags are tested regularly. “Fortunately, the air bag failed under test conditions and not while we were out on a call,” says Holmes. He points out, “What’s makes our situation so urgent is that our only other air bag was purchased at the same time as the one that failed. Our fear is that our other bag will fail during an actual rescue and jeopardize the life of the trapped person, or our member.”

The law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak recently donated $500 towards the purchase of the air bags and hope that other businesses will consider helping. “Our local fire departments are vital to keeping the community safe and secure, and support is needed in order for them to continue their efforts,” offers Jonathan Turak, a partner with the law firm.

The Moundsville Volunteer Fire Department took over the operations of the Marshall County Rescue Squad in 2003 and immediately began to make much needed repairs to the equipment. In 2004, more than $24,000 was spent in repairs and upgrades to the rescue vehicle, and in 2005, nearly $7,000 was invested in obtaining a New Hurts Power Unit that operates hydraulic hand tools. The Moundsville Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1954 and currently has 53 members.

Anyone interested in making a contribution towards the purchase of the air bags can make their check payable to M.V.F.D. Air Bag Fund, and mail to Moundsville V.F.D., P.O. Box 273, Moundsville, WV 26041. Or you are welcome to call Chief Holmes at (304)845-6373 or (304)845-0110.