The Vernon Parish Journal recently visited with Don Haymon, Vernon Parish Fire District spokesperson, and Leesville Fire Chief, Bobby Hooks.  They wanted to publicly thank the voters of Vernon Parish for their votes on May 3, on the tax millages dedicated to fire-fighting protection in Vernon Parish.

The support of the voters is already paying dividends to Vernon residents.  Vernon’s fire rating has changed from a 7 to a strong 6, with the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana.  This indicator is essential to your fire insurance payments.  The recent reclassification of the rating will translate to lower insurance rates for home and business owners. EDITORS NOTE: Make sure you get what you deserve on your insurance rates.

Haymon, Hooks and the Fire District Board have been prioritizing the needs of the district.  They include replacing trucks, moving forward with training facilities, improving existing stations, and replacing or upgrading equipment.

Hooks just returned from a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was looking at a replacement truck for the parish.  The pumper truck has a rescue body and can hold more equipment.  The new parish truck is the first of many upgrades for the Vernon Fire District. 

The Board will continue to evaluate and prioritize district needs, keeping decisions in the best interests of the taxpayers.  Hooks and Haymon thanked the voters on behalf of the over 250 paid and volunteer fire-fighters in Vernon Parish.