Gateway gives to NEBCO Fire Dept.

PEA RIDGE — GARFIELD - As part of Gateway’s commitment to the fire service provided by Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire Department, Gateway Mayor Lida Schnitzer presented a $12,000 check to Fire Chief Rob Taylor and NEBCO board chairman Kara Funk.

“Our City Council approved this earlier this year,” Schnitzer said, adding that the amount was put in the 2010 budget.

“This is great,” Taylor said.

“This is what helps us provide for the citizens.”

Taylor said he had visited with city officials from all three municipalities - Avoca, Gateway and Garfield - serviced by NEBCO.

“A lot of times people don’t think about the fire or ambulance department until they need them. If they don’t pay (their dues), we can’t afford to be here when they need us,” Taylor said.