Town Creek firefighters are desperately searching for a new place to call home.
The 16 volunteers, who respond to calls in 160 square miles, have received an eviction notice even though their lease isn't up for five years.
"We try to do good for everybody here. We will help anyone we can help. We do it because we have a service heart. I don't think there's anyone in this department that feels different than me. Everybody on here has the same love for the community," Fire Chief Chris Owens told WBMA.
Owens established the department in 2011 after watching his father suffer a fatal heart attack.
Since then, they've responded to residents' calls for help.
Bill Taylor was one of those grateful the crews were there when he needed him.
"In 2018 on a Saturday night, I collapsed in my home. About 12 hours later, we realized I needed help. My wife called 911. She was still on the phone with 911 and Town Creek Volunteer Fire Department were here knocking on our door. I'm a large man and couldn't get out of bed. They assisted me to get in a chair, carried the chair out here, and got me in an ambulance and rushed me to the hospital. In my opinion, they saved my life."
Owens said he's not certain what led to the eviction notice. One letter said the property owner had died while another said the property had been sold.
Regardless, the chief said they won't fight it.
"...The best thing for us to do to move forward is leave, find our own property and build our own building."
But, they know that's not going to be easy as only about 20 of the 1,000 property owners are paying the $35 annual fire dues. They're hoping to raise $40,000 to $50,000 to get a new property and build a station.
In the meantime, Town Creek Volunteer Fire Department may return to the chief's backyard -- where it all started.
