George County Firefighters Rodeo builds community connections
Volunteer fire departments across George County are benefiting from money raised through a local rodeo, but firefighters say the event also helps them connect with the communities they serve.
Jackson Vella with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center shows us the impact beyond the arena.
The George County Firefighters Rodeo brings professional competition to Lucedale twice a year.
The most recent event was held in September at the George County Fairgrounds.
The Double Creek Rodeo Company handles the competition, while event coordinator Debbie Gilbert says local firefighters raise money through sponsorships, ticket sales, parking and concessions. “Each year, we will collect anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 that go among these fire departments to help put equipment on the fire trucks.”
George County Fire Coordinator Eric Howard says past proceeds have helped pay for rescue tools, scene lights and upgraded lighting on fire trucks. “We’ve been able to take the funds from this rodeo over the past five years and really do a lot in our fire department and put it towards our trucks and our equipment to help move us forward.”
But the rodeo isn’t only about raising money.
Gilbert says it also gives families an event close to home. “We don’t have a lot to do in George County. It’s a small community and it gives them something to come to. It’s a family event. The whole family can come and enjoy themselves.”
Firefighters also work throughout the event, giving residents a chance to meet them outside of an emergency.
Howard says that familiarity can help strengthen connections with the community. “It definitely helps bring the community together to learn faces, learn names of who their volunteer firefighters are, and no matter what community they’re in or from.”
Lucedale Fire Chief Ricky Colson says firefighters feel that connection, too. “When we walk out in the arena, it’s a good feeling whenever they recognize us and we’re able to make contact with the public, with the families.”
