G-P contributes $36,000 to local volunteer fire departments

The Onalaska Volunteer Fire department receives a $1,000 donation from Georgia-Pacific, which will be used to help fuel the department’s emergency vehicles. Pictured from (l to r) are Myrton Thompson, Georgia-Pacific Camden Lumber Plant Manager; Jay Stutts, Onalaska VFD Chief; and John Cleveland, Onalaska VFD Lieutenant.

From life-saving equipment and training to a new fire station and operational costs, Georgia-Pacific stands ready with local firefighters to keep Polk County residents and their property safe. Recently, the local forest products manufacturer donated $36,000 to assist local volunteer fire departments in Corrigan, Livingston and Onalaska.  

With their sights set on a new fire station, the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department received an initial $10,000 gift from Georgia-Pacific for the department’s capital building campaign and to help with daily operational costs.  

“We are desperately in need of a new facility,” said Jimmy McDonald, Corrigan VFD Chief. “The current fire station is old, and it would take more to renovate it than it would to build a new facility.” 

According to McDonald, land has been donated for the new station and the department is now in the process of soliciting funds to pay for the building. 

“Georgia-Pacific has always supported our efforts and we are glad to have them on board investing in the safety of our community,” said McDonald.

The Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1991 and has about 25 volunteer firefighters on staff — nine of whom are certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The department responds to structure fires, traffic accidents, rescues, and medical emergencies. 

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With a 38-member force answering more than 700 emergency calls in a 250-mile radius, the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department received $25,000 from Georgia-Pacific to purchase life-saving equipment.  

“These funds will allow us to get at least three air packs for the department,” said Corky Cochran, Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Chief. “The air packs are critical protection that delivers portable air to firefighters to breathe while in toxic smoke conditions. Without these air packs, we would not be able to do our job safely. We appreciate Georgia-Pacific’s continuous support and confidence in our department.”

Located on Lake Livingston, the 22-member Onalaska Fire Department is not only battling fires on the ground, but also responding to emergencies on the lake. The department received $1,000 from Georgia-Pacific, which will go toward the organization’s operating costs.  

“We cover about 130 square miles, so you can imagine how much fuel we go through every time one of our trucks is on the road or when we have to launch our rescue boat,” said Jay Stutts, Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department Chief. “While we receive grants from the city and the county, contributions from businesses and individuals make up about 66% of our budget. This gift from Georgia-Pacific makes it possible for us to respond to those in need, whether it is a structure fire or a rescue on the lake.”

Georgia-Pacific is a continuous supporter of local volunteer fire departments in Polk, Angelina, and Sabine counties.  

“Georgia-Pacific is proud to partner with local firefighters who dedicate their lives to keeping our families, homes, and property safe,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public Affairs Manager. “Thanks to their bravery and tireless efforts, we can all rest easier knowing help is only a phone call away.”