Murphy Family Ventures makes big donation to Wallace Fire Department

Murphy Family Ventures recently made a $12,500 donation to the Wallace Fire Department. Fire Chief Taylor Johnson said that the funding will be used to add a “much needed” metal building to the department’s training facility. 

“The facility is currently used by most all neighboring volunteer departments in Duplin, Pender, and Sampson,” Johnson said. 

“We’ve got some good plans for that money,” Wallace Mayor Jason Wells stated in a press release. “We will probably use those funds to help build a building on our training grounds. Training facilies are important, and we’re the only department in thecounty that has such a facility. That helps with overall accreditaon of the department, which helps with homeowner’s insurance ratings and things of that nature.”

The Wallace Fire Department is primarily a volunteer organization, but it is the largest department of the town, according to Wells. That’s why he says contributions like this one are so important.

“As this area grows, there are more emergency calls, and the town relies heavily on the fire department,” he said. “If we had to fully fund it with paid staff, it would be a huge hit to the budget. We’re extremely thankful to our volunteers, and we rely on donations such as the one the Murphy family has made.”

“The Wallace Fire Department provides a tremendous service to our local community,” said Murphy Family Ventures President and CEO Dell Murphy. “We are grateful to the dedicated firefighters who are vital to the safety and well-being of our citizens, their homes, and their businesses. This donation is an opportunity to give back to those who give so much to protect our community, and to thank them for their service.”