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Salt Volunteer Fire Department seeks donations for expanding youth fire camp; board asks for budget and will revisit in July
Summary
Salt Volunteer Fire Department presented its youth fire camp (two sessions this summer, wide hands-on programming and rapidly growing enrollment) and requested donations and in-kind support; the board asked for a budget and suggested grant/funder referrals and invited the presenter back for the July meeting.
Payton Lynch, speaking for the Salt Volunteer Fire Department, outlined the departments youth fire camp that began in 2024 and has grown rapidly to 129 children this year. Lynch described hands-on activities (fire-safety drills, smoke-alarm demonstrations, K-9 and police demonstrations, CPR and tourniquet training, child ID kits and an emergency binder) and said the program is free and aimed at Title I communities.
Lynch requested monetary and in-kind donations to cover meals, supplies and programming. Board members suggested potential support sources (Walmart community grants, the Smith County Foundation) and asked Lynch to provide a detailed budget and donation list. Supervisors said they could consider a county contribution at a future meeting and encouraged fundraising through local businesses and county channels. Lynch and staff agreed to return during the July public-comment period (July 9) with budget and flyer materials for possible board action.
Why it matters: The program is designed to improve child safety awareness, foster positive relationships between children and emergency responders, and address service gaps in lower-income areas. Board members and staff expressed support and a willingness to help with outreach and potential funding.
Attributions and notes: Presentation and Q&A are drawn from the June 11 meeting; enrollment figures and camp dates came from Lynch's packet and remarks (June 22June 26 for ages 57; July 13July 17 for ages 812). Lynch emphasized the program is volunteer-run and that departments front costs before donations are secured.
Next steps: Lynch will submit the camp budget and flyer to county staff; the board asked the presenter to return in July for possible action on county support.
