Clarkridge VFD responds

Editor’s note: This letter to the editor is in response to another letter printed in the March 26 edition, submitted by Darrell Robinson (See ‘Thank you, Krista’ in that week’s Times). In that letter, Robinson said that he’d contacted the Clarkridge VFD to ask if they could provide traffic control for a funeral procession, and he was told they couldn’t.

I can truthfully say that Mr. Robinson did not speak directly to the Clarkridge Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) Fire Chief or Assistant Chief regarding assistance from the CVFD for a funeral service held at Zion Freewill Baptist Church. I do not know Mr. Robinson.

On behalf of a third party, a member of the CVFD asked if the CVFD could provide assistance with traffic control and possible funeral procession and was told that the CVFD could not provide that service due to circumstance beyond our control. Highway 201 North is under the control of the Arkansas State Police. The CVFD can only close, hold up or impede traffic on Highway 201 North for emergency incidents and in those cases, must expedite the reopening of the highway as soon as possible.

We did offer and open our facilities for extra parking for the funeral service as requested.  Also, we said that someone involved with the funeral service, if they wanted to, could possibly help with people crossing the highway making sure to keep safety in the forefront.  

The CVFD is a rural Fire and Rescue Service comprised of trained community volunteers who give their time and effort to incidents such as medical, fire and accidents along with many other services. The CVFD provides services to the Clarkridge community along with various other local communities and agencies. We try our best to serve and protect those around us. Feel free to join your local Fire Department as all departments need volunteers.

Lisa McMahon 

Clarkridge Volunteer Assistant Chief/EMT