Loudoun Officials Deliver Fire Engine To Sister County In Mississippi

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County officials delivered a fire engine to Holmes County, Mississippi last week. The fire engine reached the end of its service in Loudoun, and county supervisors decided to sell it to Holmes County at a discount.

During the visit to Holmes County, Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall also signed an official Sister County that had been delayed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The gratitude from the people of Holmes County that we received was truly remarkable,” Randall said. "A partnership between one of the richest counties and one of the poorest counties presents countless opportunities to learn from and help one another; we are so pleased that Loudoun’s retired fire engine will continue to benefit the public."

In 2018, Randall met then-then-Holmes County Supervisor Eddie J. Carthan met at a National Association of Counties conference. The two discussed the disparities between their jurisdictions. Loudoun County has one of the highest median incomes in the country, while Holmes County is among the lowest.

In April 2019, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors approved a Sister County agreement that said representatives from Loudoun and Holmes would work together to mutually benefit their residents.

This year, county supervisors saw an opportunity when a Loudoun fire engine was replaced with a newer model. On March 1, Loudoun supervisors voted to sell the 2008 Pierce/Dash fire engine to Holmes County for $25,000. When purchased new, a fire truck can cost $700,0000.

On April 30, Randall and Broad Run District Supervisor Sylvia Glass accompanied Loudoun firefighters to Mississippi to deliver the fire engine. Loudoun's firefighters worked with crews in Holmes County to familiarize them with the truck and its equipment.

"It has been a humbling experience to witness how an engine that reached the end of its service in Loudoun County will become the most valuable and capable vehicle within the Holmes County professional and volunteer fire services," Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Adam Davis said. "It was our honor to represent Loudoun County and help train the Holmes County firefighters on the use of the engine and deliver additional supplies that will help the people of Mississippi."

Loudoun Officials Deliver Fire Engine To Sister County In Mississippi originally appeared on the Ashburn Patch