Governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 521 at the City of Collins Fire Department on April 17, 2023.
House Bill 521 is An Act To Authorize The Mississippi Insurance Department To Create The Mississippi Length-of-service Award Program (losap) For The Recruitment And Retention Of Volunteer Firefighters; To Provide That The Program Will Provide Paid Length-of-service Awards To Eligible Volunteer Firefighters; To Provide Definitions; To Provide That The Losap Shall Be Administered By The Mississippi Length-of-service Award Program Board Of Trustees And To Provide The Members Who Will Serve On The Board; To Provide The Powers And Duties Of The Losap Board Of Trustees; To Create The “Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-service Awards Program Fund” (losap Fund) Maintained By The State Treasurer And To Provide What Monies In The Fund May Be Used For; To Provide That The Mississippi Insurance Department Shall Notify The State Fire Marshal And The Losap Board Of Trustees Of Any Volunteer Fire Department Member Who Is Ineligible To Receive The Losap Funds; And For Related Purposes.
The Collins Fire Department is sending our thoughts and prayers to the affected areas of our state by last nights devastating tornado outbreaks. Our area knows all too well the impacts of such events and just how much support those affected will need through both the processes of response and recovery.
We have began the process of reaching out to many of our contact’s in the heaviest of impacted areas to determine what supplies and resources they need and how we can best assist them through this time of need.
The Collins Fire Department will begin to collect/accept relief/support supply donations and drop-offs at Collins Fire Station #1, located at 200 S. First Street in downtown Collins beginning today, in preparation to transport and deliver the collected supplies to the affected areas later this week.
Please consider supporting and donating if you can.
Items needed that will be collected/accepted are listed here:
Food Items:
Non-perishable foods, water, sports drinks, canned goods, plastic utensils, paper plates, manual can-openers, plastic food containers, or zip-lock bags.
Baby Supplies:
Diapers/wipes, personal care, or formula,
Personal Care:
Toothbrush/toothpaste, comb, brush, deodorant, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products, towels, or wash clothes.
Clothing items
New/Packaged Blankets & Pillows or New/Packaged Socks, Underwear, T-Shirts, etc.
Pet Food & Supplies
Household Items:
Plastic Storage Containers, storage totes, cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, dust pans, paper products, laundry detergent, hand cleaner, Clorox, dawn dish liquid, disinfectant wipes, or rubber gloves
Clean-up/Salvage Supplies:
Tarps, rakes, shovels, brooms, plastic totes w/lids, 5 gal buckets w/lids, heavy duty trash/lawn bags, trash cans, flashlights, spare batteries, or duct tape
Hand Tools
Hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, hand saws, or etc.
Safety glasses, rain ponchos, work gloves, blankets, First Aid Kits
Gas/Fuel Cans
Again, supply donations can begin being dropped off starting today at Station #1.
We ask that you all please continue to pray for all of those who have been affected; many of whom have lost loved ones and everything that they owned to these fierce and devastating storms. They are now facing the long process of recovery, and we will do all we can to support and lift them up throughout that process. Thank you in advance for considering to support in any way you can!
Respectfully,
Chief John B. Pope, III
Fire Chief, City of Collins Fire Department
President, Mississippi Firefighter’s Association
Covington County is required under the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to have an active and functioning Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Due to the Covid Pandemic over the last few years, Covington County LEPC has not had the opportunity to meet but is excited to get the committee back active and going. The activities of this committee include development/maintenance of an emergency response plan for chemical accidents, receiving chemical reports from covered facilities, and making that information available to the public. Representation on the LEPC from the following groups is required by statute: local officials/state/tribal, law enforcement, firefighting, emergency management, health, broadcast/communications media, print media, emergency medical services, transportation, local environmental group, community group, and facility owners/operators subject to the provisions of EPCRA.
Having a LEPC not only gives us a chance to prepare for accidents but also gives a chance for community leaders from government, first responders, and businesses to come together to network and learn about emergency preparedness and response. Having an active LEPC gives the opportunity to apply for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant from Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This grant if awarded provides training and planning programs that address different needs for Covington County, emergency response capabilities, commodity flow studies, and hazard analysis of hazardous chemicals. The LEPC meets two times per year in the City of Collins, with Thursday, February 23rd, being the first meeting of 2023 at the Collins Civic Center in Collins.
Visit Mississippi and It’s A Southern Thing recently posted an article by Ashley Locke listing the 5 Mississippi towns that go all out for Christmas- and Collins was #2! Collins’ Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park are two of the events mentioned that bring on the twinkling lights and sparkling decorations. The list of cites was Laurel, Collins, Canton, Biloxi, and Oxford.
The City of Collins will be holding our annual Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. The Sounds of Christmas is this year’s theme. Contact City Hall to register for the parade, 601-765-4491.
The Collins Area Chamber of Commerce was incorporated on the 22nd day of August, 1978. The by-laws stated the purpose of the chamber is advancing the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and trade area; to promote integrity and good faith; to promote just and equitable principles of business; to discover and correct business abuses; and have a part in representing the City of Collins and Covington County in the consideration and decision of city, county state and national issues.
A meeting of interested citizens was held on May 15, 1985 for the purpose of re-organizing the Chamber of Commerce. The chamber was inactive for six years. In 1986 a Board of Directors was elected and a “Program of Work” was established. Board members are elected by the membership and rotate off the board every three years. Membership is available to all citizens of Covington County, businesses, organizations and area service companies.
In 1987 the chamber by-laws changed the name of the organization to Covington County Chamber of Commerce for the importance of the entire county working together for the purpose of economic and community development. The Chamber of Commerce represents Covington County with membership in national and state organizations which includes: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, MEC (Mississippi State Chamber of Commerce), MEDC (Mississippi Economic Development Council), and the State Tourism Organization.
The Chamber is only as strong as its membership. Our members are our most valuable resource.
Come join us for the Chamber of Commerce “Fall Mingle” on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the V.O. Smith Courtyard in Collins on Main Street. We look forward to seeing you!
