The Corrigan Volunteer Firefighters respond to an average of 150 fire and emergency calls each year. The additional funds will help with daily operations, such as fuel, electricity, and insurance. Pictured from (l to r) are Corrigan Volunteer Firefighters Zack Ivie, Cody McDonald, Ray Green, Jimmy McDonald, Ty Nicholson, Cody Warner, River (department mascot), Shea Perry, Matthew Moody, Mike Cobb, Thomas Murphy, Ken Hughes, and (pictured in truck) Aaron Miller.
Georgia-Pacific Donates $70k to Support Local Firefighters and Emergency Services
Georgia-Pacific highlights the critical role of professional and volunteer firefighters in community safety, POLK COUNTY, TEXAS, May 13, 2025 - Professional and volunteer firefighters play a critical role in safeguarding our communities, responding to emergencies with courage, skill, and dedication—often risking their lives to protect people, property, and the environment, especially in areas where resources are limited and every second counts. Recognizing the vital role these brave men and women have in our communities; Georgia-Pacific is contributing $70,000 toward East Texas firefighters ’efforts this year.
“At Georgia-Pacific, we deeply value the courage, dedication, and sacrifices made by our local firefighters,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific’s Public and Government Affairs Manager, Texas. “Whether full-time professionals or dedicated volunteers, these individuals are first on the scene, putting their lives on the line to protect lives and property. This donation is one way we can help ensure they have the tools and support they need.”
Professional and volunteer firefighters are the backbone of emergency services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Volunteer departments often rely on limited resources, yet they respond to a wide range of emergencies, from house fires and wildfires to medical calls and vehicle accidents. Professional firefighters, meanwhile, provide 24/7 protection and expertise, often working alongside volunteers to ensure swift and effective responses.
The Georgia-Pacific contribution will be shared across volunteer fire departments in Diboll, Fuller Springs, Pineland, Livingston, Onalaska, Corrigan, Bronson, Six Mile, Pendleton Harbor, Hemphill, and the City of Lufkin’s Fire Department. This latest Georgia-Pacific contribution follows an additional $200k investment in Corrigan VFD’s new fire station, which was completed earlier this year. Corrigan Volunteer Fire Chief Jimmy McDonald says his department responds to about 150 fire and emergency calls each year. “These additional funds will help with daily operations, such as fuel, electricity, and insurance,” said McDonald. “We are grateful to have businesses like Georgia-Pacific in our community who step up to provide the financial support we need to do our jobs efficiently and effectively.”
Aaron Smith, Diboll Volunteer Fire Chief, expressed gratitude for the donation as well. “Support from businesses like Georgia-Pacific makes a real difference. It allows us to stay prepared and better serve our community when every second counts.” According to Smith, this year’s grant will be used to purchase equipment, including a cordless rescue saw.
With its 14 members, the Fuller Springs Volunteer Fire Department answers an average of 250 calls each year. “Like many volunteer fire departments, there is always a need to update and replace much needed fire and rescue equipment,” said Bobby Cranford, Fuller Springs VFD Fire Chief. “Georgia-Pacific has supported our efforts for many years, and we are so appreciative of their ongoing assistance to keep our fire department equipped to help our neighbors while keeping our volunteer firefighters safe.”
Meanwhile, Livingston’s award-winning volunteer fire department is 41 members strong and covers almost 300 square miles. Recently the department upgraded its rolling stock with the addition of two new trucks. “Financial contributions from our community including companies like Georgia-Pacific, allow us to get the tools and equipment we need to keep our communities safe. We are so grateful for the support we receive,” said Corky Cochran, Livingston VFD Fire Chief.
The Pineland Volunteer Fire Department will also receive funding from Georgia-Pacific this year. Like most volunteer fire departments, Pineland VFD will focus on updating equipment, such as air packs, hoses, and bunker gear.
As emergencies become more complex and communities more reliant on swift, skilled response, the dedication of both career and volunteer firefighters has never been more vital. “Whether they wear a uniform full-time or answer the call in their off-hours, these men and women exemplify courage, commitment, and public service,” said Ogletree. “Their work saves lives, protects property, and strengthens the fabric of our communities. We honor their service—and stand united in supporting the resources and recognition they deserve.”
Livingston Volunteer Firefighters responded to almost 1300 emergency calls last year that spanned 286 square miles. Pictured from (l to r) are Livingston Volunteer Firefighters Craig Jones, Brian Jones; Jerry Gunter, Georgia-Pacific Camden Lumber Plant Manager; Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public & Government Affairs Manager, Texas; Corky Cochran, George Standley, Georgia-Pacific Camden Plywood Plant Manager; Josh Mohler, Josh Smith, and Jon Turner, Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood Operations Manager.
The Lufkin Fire Department recently received a contribution from Georgia-Pacific to purchase Level A suits for the hazardous response team. Pictured from (l to r) are Lufkin firefighters Luke Paterson, Jackson Linam, Ryan Watson, Bret Due, Hunter Sarver, and Yana Ogletree, Public & Government Affairs Manager, Georgia-Pacific.
The Diboll Volunteer Fire Department is purchasing life-saving equipment with this year’s contribution from Georgia-Pacific. Pictured from (l to r) are Diboll Volunteer Firefighters Aaron Smith, Fire Chief, and Daryl Roberts, Asst. Fire Chief.
Fuller Springs Volunteer Firefighters answer an average of 250 fire and emergency calls each year. Pictured from (l to r) are Fuller Spring Volunteer Firefighters Troy Edwards, Andrew Dover, Georgia-Pacific Particleboard Plant Manager, Bobby Cranford, Don Horn, Jake Sperry, John Maclaren, John Rawls, and Boots, fire station mascot.
The Pineland Volunteer Fire Department is 40 members strong and answers an average of 360 emergency calls each year. This year’s contribution from Georgia-Pacific will be used to update and replace equipment, including bunker gear, air packs, and hoses. Pictured from (l to r) are Dan Reeves, Pineland VFD; Emily Taylor, Pineland VFD; Kim Rhame, Pineland VFD; Stephen Baxley, Georgia-Pacific Pineland Lumber Asst. Plant Manager; DeWayne Armstrong, Pineland City Manager; Danny Wright, Georgia-Pacific Pineland Lumber Plant Manager; Stephen Hampton, Georgia-Pacific Pineland Lumber Human Resource Manager and (back row) Ryan Alcalais, Pineland VFD.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at pctletters@gmail.com. Be sure to include the story subject in the subject line of your email, also list your name and town in your letter. Your letter will be posted in Letters to the Editor.
