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The new North Hopkins VFD substation was completed recently and is dedicated in the memory of the late Steven Vickery, who died in 2017. Staff photo by Todd Kleiboer
Ribbon cutting may be held
After the land had been donated over two years ago, the North Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department substation was recently completed, according to NHVFD chief Bobby Harris.
“We’re going to hopefully have a ribbon cutting here in the next three, four weeks,” Harris said, noting the busy fall event season. He added he would like to have a larger stew event at the new substation, but a short ribbon cutting may be more likely.
The substation is dedicated in memory of Steven Vickery, a local firefighter who died in 2017 of heart disease. He was 40 years old. His procession was accompanied by the Hopkins County Fire Department and The Colony Fire Department, where he worked.
The substation currently houses the department’s new engine, and a brush truck, used to fight grass fires usually, will join it soon. With that equipment, Harris hopes to lower the nearby properties’ ISO ratings, which then in turn lowers insurance premiums.
Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings take into account a department’s equipment, manpower, water supply and other factors, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. The ratings are given from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. Any building outside the boundary of a fire department or more than five road miles from a station is an automatic 10 with some exceptions.
Having a substation on FM 2285 not too far from County Road 4759 will help nearby residents save.
“I’d like to thank all the people who have made donations to us,” Harris said. “The community are the ones who made it possible.”