FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HALE, MO — July 11, 2025 — Chariton Valley is proud to announce its support for the Hale Fire District with a generous contribution toward the purchase of a 500-gallon Brush Skid unit. The check presentation marks a significant step in enhancing emergency response capabilities in rural Missouri.
Last year, the Hale Fire Department applied for a $5,000 grant through the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) to acquire the Brush Skid but was not selected. Recognizing the critical role volunteer firefighters play in protecting our communities, Chariton Valley stepped in to help fund the project.
“As a company deeply rooted in rural Missouri, we understand the importance of supporting those who serve and protect our communities,” said Ryan Johnson, Chariton Valley President and CEO. “Volunteer firefighters like those in Hale make tremendous sacrifices, and we are honored to contribute to their mission of safety and service.”
The new Brush Skid will significantly enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies in remote areas. Fire Chief Nicholas Wilson explained, “The problem we face as a rural department is having enough water on a compact apparatus to stop the spread of the fire we are responding to while also being small enough to get to the remote areas of our county. We already have a brush truck capable of supporting a 500 gallon skid. This brush skid we are trying to order will have 500 gallons of water, 30 gallons of foam, 300’ of 1” booster line, and 200’ of 1 ¾’ attack line. Making responding to any emergency from hazmat related incidents to vehicle fires a lot safer and better equipped.”
“By completing this project, response times will go down due to being able to get to the scene quicker than with a traditional engine. We will be able to reach more rural areas of the county having 4X4 capabilities than a traditional engine. We will also be better equipped to handle a variety of calls way better than we are currently responding to them,” added Chief Wilson.
The total cost of the project exceeds $25,000 and will be funded through a combination of grants and the department’s annual budget. The new equipment will immediately benefit approximately 2,500 residents and provide mutual aid coverage across more than 1,000 square miles, impacting over 22,000 people.
About Chariton Valley
Through its influential leadership, innovative advances, and 70 years of experience, Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, continues to enhance rural prosperity and living. Chariton Valley’s reliable network utilizes fiber facilities to expand connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities, and rural communities every day. Chariton Valley’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience and to continue proudly supporting the communities it serves. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
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Chariton Valley
Donna Bell
Public Relations & Economic Development Manager
660-395-9636
[email protected]
www.cvalley.net
