Matlock fire association hosts community BBQ

Mason County Fire District 12 Fire Association 7.0 has a few things to celebrate.

On Saturday, the association hosted a free barbecue at the Matlock Grange that was "one of the largest events ever held in our community, other than the Old Timers [Fair]," Association President Dave Persell told the Journal, with more than 250 people attending.

Then on Tuesday, Mason County commissioners ended the State of Disaster for the district, which had been in effect since May 17.

"The disaster is concluded," Mason County Administrator Mark Neary said, reading the resolution.

Fire 12 has "accomplished the objectives required to assume normal operations," the resolution states, including obtaining insurance.

"MCFD 12 began this journey on May 17 when we lost our insurance and then our entire board of commissioners the very next day," Fire 12 Commissioner Trina Young said at Tuesday's meeting.

She spoke about how volunteers stepped up to help the district, including cleaning the stations and training to be CERT responders.

"We are so proud of them," she said.

She said Fire 12 has insurance and is responding to calls with the help of West Mason Fire.

"We no longer are in need of the protection of the disaster declaration, and we ask that it now be deactivated," Young said.

"We learned through this process how much we all have in common and how much we all need each other," she said.

Mason County commissioner Kevin Shutty commended Young and the Matlock community for helping get the fire district back up.

"I think you all serve as an inspiration to us in public service and show us what can be done when you put community first," Shutty said.