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Millboro Fire Association has reason to celebrate
 | | Millboro firechiefs past and present, Walter Shinault Jr., left, and Bobby Burke, have a chance to chat at last Saturday's open house held on completion of the firestation addition. Shinault was firechief for 25 years, until 1987. Burke has served as chief since then. (Recorder photos by Gina Hamilton) |
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MILLBORO - It took more than a year of work, but the firestation has been expanded with a 30-by-80-foot building addition. An officialribbon cutting was held last Saturday, May 3, with county officials, local volunteer firefighters, family members and friends. And as a thank-you to the community, association members served everyone a finelunch of hot dogs, beverages and popcorn from the newly expanded kitchen.
Former long-time firechief Walter Shinault Jr. recalled that the firedepartment was chartered in 1962 with about 40 members. Current chief Bobby Burke said membership now was at "25 ½," as he included baby Taiden Combs, whose dad is volunteer fireman Chantry Combs.
The addition's community room, with handicap access, will be available for the public at a minimum deposit for banquets, birthday parties, reunions, and other such events, according to association treasurer Rhonda Grimm. It has a capacity limit of 99 people, according to Burke.
 | | Sharing the ribbon-cutting event last Saturday, May 3, on completion of an addition to the Millboro firestation, are from left: Bath County supervisor Carol Hardbarger, Millboro District; Richard Byrd, Billy Grimm, firechief Bobby Burke; Chantry Combs, Tuck Grimm, Everett Lafrance, J.J. Ingram, former firechief Walter Shinault Jr.; Sam Burke, Jessica Combs with baby Taiden; Bath County administrator Bonnie Johnson; Andy Forbes, Rhonda Grimm, and Angel Grimm. |
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Besides being on alert for fireand accident calls, the association's volunteers are active year-round in community events. These include serving food at the Relay for Life to raise funds for the annual benefit for the American Cancer Society (coming up on May 24), hauling water to people in need during summer months, organizing the annual carnival in July, even cleaning chimneys as part of training exercises. Each October, members support the Fire Safety and Prevention program in the elementary school, give out candy treats at Halloween, and organize the Christmas parade.
 | | The Millboro firedepartment unveiled a special plaque Saturday during the open house that was dedicated to the many supporters who made a building addition possible, including volunteers, county officials, contractors and supply businesses, as well as individuals. |
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Donations are always appreciated and can be sent to: MVFA, P.O. Box 244, Millboro, Va. 24460. More information is available by calling (540) 997-5846.
- Gina Hamilton
 | | A good crowd is on hand last Saturday during the open house at the Millboro firestation, which celebrated the completion of a large building addition. |
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 | | The volunteer firefightersin Millboro call baby Taiden Combs their youngest member. Dad is fireman Chantry; mom is Jessica Combs. |
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