It was a busy year for the Perry Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders, not the least of which was their merger with the Dawson department.

Fire Chief Chris Hinds says the benefits of the combined department were evident to all involved. “It’s worked out real well for both the Perry and Dawson communities. Dawson is getting the service that they want. They’re getting the service that they’re accustomed to, because there’s still a station in Dawson. Financially it’s better for the Dawson community, because they’re not faced with some of the hidden charges that go along with operating a department. And in turn, Perry is being compensated for the service they provide Dawson. It’s working out very well for everybody. Everybody is being cared for, everybody’s being serviced, and we’ve not heard anything but good comments from both the communities since the merger.”

Hinds says throughout the year, the departments responded to 473 first responder calls — which includes things like lift assists, vehicle accidents, and helping with medical emergencies before the ambulances arrive — as well as 129 fire calls — which includes responding to downed power lines, tree limbs, and traffic accidents. He adds, the fire department’s search and rescue team has been aided this year by the addition of a drone, though it hasn’t gotten much use yet.

To hear more from Hinds, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.