Members of the DeBusk Volunteer Fire Department have recently upgraded their fire hall with much needed improvements, according to Chief Regie Jones.

During 2007, members of the DeBusk VFD voted to replace several elements of the aging fire hall and community center, Jones said.

"So far the department has spent more than $12,000," the chief said.

"The first items that were replaced were three large insulated bay doors complete with automatic door openers which aid the firefighters in quickly exiting the building in their fire apparatus," Jones said.

A few months later the exterior of the building was renovated with new vinyl siding, Jones noted. Along with the new siding, all the exterior windows were replaced with single-pane, insulated windows.

"Former member Jim Holt has done much of the work and has even donated window shutters to improve the overall look of the building," the chief said. "This past week, the driveway and parking were enlarged and improved with several new loads of rocks."

Later this year, Jones said, members hope to have enough money raised to replace the current kerosene furnace that originally came from the DeBusk Elementary School, with a new, more efficient propane gas heater.

"The department's primary goal for 2007 was to update and replace our aging facility with these much-needed items," Chief Jones said. "By doing these improvements, were are hoping to add many more useful years to our building and cut down our monthly operating expenses by replacing the outdated equipment."

Once the building upgrades are completed, the DeBusk VFD's next "big project" is to replace its 1980-model tanker truck with a newer model that can carry at least 1,800 gallons of water, the chief said.

"We are currently working on a grant for a new tanker truck that will greatly improve fire protection for our community," Chief Jones said.

The DeBusk area has less than 1 percent hydrant coverage and any additional tanker support must come from several miles away, Jones said.

The DeBusk VFD will be hosting an all-you-can-eat breakfast on April 5 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. to start its campaign to purchase a new tanker truck.

"Our Door-To-Door fundraising campaign will begin later in April," Chief Jones said. For additional information about the DeBusk VFD, please contact Chief Jones at (423) 470-3131.