Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 28, 1995 TAG: 9510300084
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICHARD FOSTER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MONTVALE LENGTH: Medium
That seems to be changing.
On Friday, the seven oil companies that operate in Montvale presented a check for $16,500 to the Montvale Volunteer Fire Company toward an addition that will double the size of its fire station.
The donation is part of a program to increase communications between the community and the oil companies - Amerada Hess, Amoco Petroleum Products, Citgo Petroleum Products, Chevron USA Products Co., Colonial Pipeline Co., Star Enterprise/Texaco and Southern Facilities.
"It's just the beginning, really," said Ed Flowers, Texaco's terminal manager.
According to Amoco terminal manager Donna King, spokeswoman for the companies that made the donation, the oil companies are looking for ways to enhance their ties to the community.
This donation is the first of many yearly or semiregular donations to the community, she said. Last week, Texaco and Citgo donated four new computers to Montvale Elementary School. Other companies have pledged to buy more.
King said the companies have spoken to Montvale's principal about buying a sign for the new school under construction. They're holding luncheons with the Fire Department and talking about contributing additional safety equipment.
"We are proud to live and do business in this community," King said. "That's why we want our town to have the very best services available."
For the fire company, the donation means upfront money to pay for its addition, which is under construction.
Until now, the fire company has trained and met in a small white building on the side of its property. It didn't have office space. Its seven fire trucks are crammed into one 60-by-45-foot building. At least one truck and a trailer are kept outside.
"The larger station ... will significantly enhance our local firefighting capability, which certainly gives all of us who live in the area a feeling of satisfaction and confidence," Fire Chief David Ferguson said.
Getting funds from the oil companies hasn't always been this easy.
Several years ago, Ferguson said, the oil companies donated about 500 or 600 gallons of chemical foam, which is used in fighting oil fires. And some companies have let the volunteer firefighters train on their property.
But this is the first financial contribution the Montvale Volunteer Fire Company has received from the oil companies, he said, except for a $100 donation from Colonial Pipeline.
In the past, contribution requests were mostly ignored, said the fire company's spokesman, the Rev. A.C. Hollins.
"We're glad to have the check," he said. "It appears they're making an effort that has not occurred previously, so we're grateful for that."
by CNB