At the Nov. 3 election, voters will have the opportunity to vote “yes’ or “no’ for the renewal of The DeQuincy Volunteer Fire Department tax. This is not a new tax.

Voting “no” could have impact on lives and insurance rates.

“This is a renewal and is not a new tax,” said Johnny Copeland, DeQuincy Fire Chief.

Copeland said thesefunds pay for fuel, equipment, training, communication, and maintenance of the equipment.

“Without these funds, the department can not function,” Copeland said. “The fire department has to maintain a rating in order for your homeowners insurance to stay as low as possible. The department holds a fire rating of a Class 4 with Property Insurane Association of Louisiana (PIAL), and has been for the last 18 years.”

A Class 4 for a full volunteer department is above average and we are proud to be able to keep it. The rating is based on training, equipment, man power, water supply, and communication. In order to outfit a fireman to be able to go into a burning house costs approximately 10,000. A fire engine is in the range of $500,000 and up.

“If we don’t have funding for equipment, and fuel, I honestly believe it puts lives in jeapordy,” Copeland said. “Every member of the fire department is willing to bend over backwards to help anyone in their time of need — but if this tax isn’t renewed….

We are asking for your consideration to help us in renewing this tax. Without it we won’t have the funds to keep the department in service and good working order.”