Local Volunteer Fire Department donates water to cattle during ongoing drought

GLENVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) — When you think of a fire department you think about water and putting out fires, but the way the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department is using its water and tanker truck to help victims of the drought has some “moo-ving” along.

On Sept. 24, the West Virginia State Fire Chief’s Association posted pictures on its Facebook page that showed members of the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department hauling water to cattle affected by West Virginia’s summer drought.

Not only were the cattle farmers thankful for this act of kindness, but so were the cattle that came running when they heard the tanker truck approaching.

“It was good to see the cows come off the hill. It didn’t take long until they knew what the truck was, it was a drink of water. It’s kind of interesting the first time I saw it because you know you don’t see cows all of them coming at you at one time and then when the boy was standing holding the hose to fill up the watering trough you couldn’t even see him except from the waist up the cows had him surrounded,” Tanker Driver and Firefighter William Radcliff said.

Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Martin Hess told 12 news that the department is happy to offer this form of help to the community.

“It’s been a joint project that OEM and the fire department’s been working together, so and you know on wood it’s worked great. The cows were happy, the farmers were happy, and it just gives you a good feeling at the end the day that you did something to help and that’s what the volunteer departments are for is here to help their communities,” said Hess.

Any farmers who need water delivered to their livestock can contact the Gilmer Volunteer Fire Department at 304-462-5216.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.