Chief Shawn Maddox and two selected members will be leaving for Atlanta, GA today to pick up the company's new brush truck. The brush truck is a much needed improvement for the Verona Volunteer Fire Company and once in service, will replace the current mini-pumper that has been serving the community for many years. The new piece will begin serving the community once equipment is ordered and installed.

Check back for photos of the trip and the brush truck.

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company wishes to thank all of the citizens for your support that makes yet another enhancement to your fire company possible.

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company recently held its annual Awards Banquet and Dinner at the company social hall. Members enjoyed an evening of fellowship and good food as a thank you for all of their hard work and service throughout the year. A DJ was provided for anyone wanting to show off their "dance moves" and a slide show presentation highlighted calls and activities from 2011.

The evening also provided an opportunity to induct the 2012 officers and award some members for their dedication to the company.

The following officers were inducted and will serve as the leaders of the company for the 2012 year:

Administrative Officers:

President: Misty Walker

Vice President: Robert Smith

Treasurer:Erica Maddox

Secretary: Brandi Harlow

Operational Officers:

Chief: Shawn Maddox

Deputy Chief: Trey Crawford

Captain: Josh Mawyer

Lieutenant: Tara Crawford

Lieutenant: Travis Harlow

Safety Officer: Phil Garber

Training Officer: Adam Nulty

The following awards were presented:

Firefighter of the Year: Travis Harlow

EMS Provider of the Year: Misty Walker

Administrative Officer of the Year: Robert Smith

Operational Officer of the Year: Trey Crawford

Each active member was also surprised with a $25 BP Gas Card made possible by a generous donation from local business owner, Chris Earhart of Dixie Bottle and Gas.

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company looks forward to another prosperous year and the opportunity to thank its members again next year.

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Firefighters from the Verona Volunteer Fire Company and the New Hope Volunteer Fire Company recently visited the Clymore Elementary School. The firefighters spoke to several kindergarten classes about smoke detectors, home fire escape plans, how to crawl out of a smoke filled building, and the stop, drop, and roll maneuver. The students were able to practice stop, drop, and roll with all of the firefighters. Each student was provided handouts they could take home to draw their own fire escape plans.

Cool weather is here and colder weather will be coming. Now is the time to conduct your home safety checks to insure you have a safe winter and holiday season.

Replace the batteries of your smoke detectors and make sure the detectors are properly working. The best practice is to do this when the time changes each year - the next time change is November 4, 2011. Even if your detectors are wired into the electrical system of your home, fresh batteries are still important in the event your home loses power. You should have a properly working smoke detector on each level of your home in each bedroom, in hallways, in garages, and any other room you feel is necessary. If you need assistance obtaining a smoke detector, contact your local fire company for information on how to obtain one and have it installed.

Check your carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are properly working. Carbon monoxide detectors can notify you of the presence of harmful gases otherwise undetectable. These gases can originate from such things as backed up chimneys or leaking fireplace gas lines. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed where the potential for harmful gases exists. Detectors are available for a reasonable price at your local retail and hardware stores.

Have your chimneys checked for build up, blockages, cracks, and defects. If you have a gas-fueled fireplace, have it checked for blockages and defects. Whether it is a wood-burning or gas-fueled fireplace, you should have it inspected by a professional to make sure it is in proper working order and ready for the season.

Develop a fire plan and pratice it with your family members. Make sure to include a meeting place for your family to go once out of the house. Remember - ONCE OUT, STAY OUT.

Make sure all of your family members know how to dial 911 from the different types of telephones in your home. Also, make sure each family member knows your address and telephone number to provide to the dispatch center.

The Verona Volunteer Fire Company wishes you a safe and happy winter and upcoming holiday season.

Recent media coverage has brought a lot of attention to ISO, Insurance Services Organization, ratings. Verona Fire maintains a rating of 5/9. A majority of our service area enjoys a rating of 5 however those residents living in an area of the county without hydrants receive a rating of 9. Please see www.iso.com/ for more information. Should you have questions the ISO website cannot answer feel free to contact Chief Shawn Maddox at sfdfm2@comcast.net .