For small town volunteer fire departments, funding is at a premium.

After watching a fire in his hometown of Arlington, Pine Belt Wireless owner John Nettles said he was inspired to help these departments after watching his own department struggle with a blaze.

“I talked to the fire chief, and he said only $150 could have gotten them the equipment to put out that fire,” he said. “I told him Pine Belt Wireless would buy the equipment. A little bit of money makes a big difference in Volunteer Fire Departments, and there are more than 60 in our coverage area.”

Already, Nettles said the company has completed two rounds of donations in areas serviced by Pine Belt Wireless. The donations are generally based on the number of customers in the area.

The service area includes Choctaw, Dallas, Perry, Marengo and Wilcox counties..

All of these areas, Nettles said, rely on volunteer fire departments if there is an emergency.

With the second wave of the program complete, Nettles said he plans to continue as long as he can

“We’re going to continue this until they have all the money they need or until we run out,” he joked. “We hope the latter doesn’t happen.”