Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department Chief Danny Stone is 2019 Favorite First Responder

Drought, wildfires, historic flooding. 
The Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department had to respond to it all in 2018 as well as to an increased call volume. Through all that, readers of The Picayune and listeners to KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune noticed and voted Chief Danny Stone as their Locals Love Us favorite first responder in the Kingsland area.
Stone has spent 39 years with the department and said he appreciates the acknowledgement. 
“But it’s not all just me. We’ve got a good department and good support from other agencies as well,” he said.
The department of about 15 volunteers serves an area of nearly 101 square miles. 
Last year’s call volume increased by about 150 from a base of 600 calls, Stone said. And the increase wasn’t due to just the fires and flood.
“We’ve got a good group, and we’re looking forward to things getting back to normal. And, hopefully, we won’t go into crisis mode two to three times this year,” Stone said. 
Along with the volunteers, the department has six vehicles and serves a growing community. Maintaining equipment and vehicles as a volunteer department is a challenge, but Stone said the department is in good shape. 
“The people we serve are very generous,” he said regarding donations from the community. 
The department meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the fire station, 116 Willowood in Kingsland. 
“Questions, comments, or whatever — you’re welcome to come,” Stone said. 
jared@thepicayune.com