The Southfork- Center Fire Protection Association Board of Directors showed their appreciation to all the volunteer firefighters and Medical First Responders. A dinner catered by Jenn’s Gourmet Galley, was enjoyed by the volunteers and their families in the air conditioned comfort of the Lake Ouachita Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. For a change, the volunteers didnt have to do anything but enjoy the meal and fellowship of their Fire Department family.
Retired Firefighter and former Fire Chief, Farron Foley, received a handsome plaque , thanking him for his 28 years of volunteer service to the department. Farron was a firefighter, a Fire Chief for three years, and an integral part of the department. His wife, Rhonda, has also pitched in countless times over the years at many fundraising and community events. Fire Chief Barry Craw was presented a plaque for all his exemplary work above and beyond the normal duties of a Chief. Chief Craw has been the driving force behind lowering the ISO rating, thus lowering many folks homeowners fire insurance. Also the acquiring of newer trucks, boats and most of the much needed medical and firefighting equipment.Chief Craw runs on most all calls that Mt. Ida and Southfork- Center receives. The Southfork- Center district covers approximately 119 square miles, including two major highways, two rivers,the western end of Lake Ouachita, two resorts, numerous crystal mines, many homes,and businesses. The department is “ mutual aid to six other departments, so is busier than most departments in the county.The dues paying members paid off the “East house”this year. Enclosed a bay to house one of the new Freightliner tanker trucks. An enclosed boat storage unit is being built to house the two river and one Lake fire/rescue boats out of the weather and secured.
The SFC Board of Directors would like all the volunteers to know that they are extremely appreciated as “The Best” The T- shirts and great meal were just a token of how important they all are to the district and most of the county. Thank you all for all you do, Southfork- Center Board of Directors
