WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – Stop 10 on the Virginia Proud Weather Tour took Jeff Haniewich to Max Meadows in Wythe County.
At the Max Meadows Volunteer Fire Department, there are 27 volunteers. Countywide, there are about 110 volunteers.
The county recently received a grant for nearly $200,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance.
Jeremy Farley, the county's grant coordinator, explained that Wythe County is unique in Southwest Virginia in that it has both Interstate 77 and Interstate 81 run through the county and that having operating, up-to-date ambulances is very important.
Max Meadows Volunteer Fire Department Chief David Morris explained to Jeff the training that it takes to become a volunteer firefighter.
Mickey Bass, a Wytheville firefighter and member of Rural Retreat EMS, talked about the importance of community when it comes to volunteering in these types of roles.
Dean and Bass have a combined more than 100 years of service to Wythe County.
Stop 11 on Tuesday will take Jeff to Roanoke County.