Darcie Dyer

Staff Writer

Arlington Fire and Rescue took over the fire service for the town of Jonesville on Jan. 1, and Jonesville Town Manager Scott Buffkin said the transition has been smooth.

“From what I’ve seen it has gone exceptionally well,” Buffkin said.

Questions and concerns were made earlier this year regarding what would happen to Jonesville’s fire trucks and other equipment. Those issues have now been resolved, he said.

As agreed upon in the contract, Jonesville transferred one fire truck to Arlington Fire and Rescue.

“It was a relatively new pumper-tanker and all the pertinent equipment and tools that went with that truck were also transferred,” Buffkin said. “We also transferred other items that had been acquired from state grants, including radios, fire-hose, and a number of various items.

Jonesville Fire Department had purchased a fire truck about a month prior to talks about dissolving the department or merging it with Arlington. That truck has since been sold.

“We sold it to a volunteer fire-department in Rutherfordton,” Buffkin said. “They were the high bidder for the truck. Jonesville’s other vehicles were re-used for our public works or public utilities departments.”

“From what I have seen and heard, I believe it has been a win-win situation for all involved,” Buffkin said.

Reach Darcie Dyer at 835-1513 or ddyer@heartlandpublications.com.