Community members replace items stolen from Richardsville VFD

RICHARDSVILLE, Ky. –The community is rallying around the Richardsville Fire Department after their Squad 42 vehicle was stolen two weeks ago. 

Three local men wanted to give back and donate items to the department as the truck was quickly returned but thieves had removed almost everything inside. 

Josh Hodges and Devada Bryant, both with Century Fire Protection, donated a dry chemical extinguisher, a water extinguisher, and a class K extinguisher to replace the ones that were stolen. Hodges said he found out about the theft through social media. 

“I seen it on Facebook. I follow a little bit of the volunteer fire department and other life safety places so I seen it on Facebook, commented and decided to reach out and try to help them out,” said Hodges. 

And Robert Frank from Smiths Grove donated a chainsaw to replace the one that the suspects took. 

The fire department is forever grateful to the actions of these community members. 

“I hadn’t met Josh until just recently after he brought the extinguisher. Just knowing that at times we’re helping people in their worst times of need. And when we were in need, the community reached out to us so we’re here to help the community but the community came and supported us,” said Richardsville firefighter Chris Smith. 

All of these items are critical to the performance of the fire department to diffuse emergency situations. The donors wanted the department to be able to do the jobs they need to do to help the community. 

“I think the fire department, EMT, police stations, people like that are underlooked, underfunded and underpaid,” said Hodges. 

Hodges said he hopes his actions inspire others. 

“Thankfully I was able to do that, reach out, do my part, hopefully other people will see it follow suit and if they’re able to help them,” said Hodges.