August 25, 2010 - "Traffic light safety pushed in Franklin Co."
Roanoke.com - By Janelle Rucker
Three Franklin County businessmen are raising money to finish a public safety improvement initiated by Posey Dillon, Rocky Mount's late fire chief.
Lights for Life, started by L.D. Arrington, Joel Sheppard and Danny Perdue, is a campaign to raise $425,000 to equip 28 traffic signals and numerous emergency vehicles with devices that give them the green light at intersections when answering calls.
A few years ago, Dillon, who was also Rocky Mount's vice mayor, requested town council consider adding the devices, already used in Roanoke and Bedford County. The proposal didn't move further because of the cost, Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins said.
Dillon and longtime firefighter Danny Altice were killed July 26 while on their way to a house fire in Union Hall when the fire engine Dillon was driving was struck by a Ford Escape. The fire truck, which held a 1,000-gallon water tank, swerved to avoid the Escape and flipped.
The driver of the Ford had the green light at the intersection of Old Franklin Turnpike and School Board Road and has not been charged.
Since the accident, town officials have discussed installing the safety devices at the busier intersections with higher speeds and the greatest need. Money for that project would have come from the town's road construction fund and would have taken a year or two, Hankins said.
"We think it's great that other business leaders are stepping up and realizing how big a chunk of our road funds it would be," Hankins said. "This community has a generous, giving spirit, especially when there's a demonstrated need."
"We just felt like our county and our area deserves to have the most modern equipment we could provide it," said Arrington, chief executive officer of Arrington Enterprises. "We wanted to put together a package so we could speed up the process."
The group has already accumulated $130,000 in donations, including $25,000 from each of the founders. Other local businesses, including Franklin Community Bank, have pitched in $10,000.
Details are still in the works, Hankins said, but the town intends to match what the group raises.
"We expect to knock this thing out in no time flat," Arrington said.
The money will equip 28 intersections with traffic signals throughout Franklin County, 22 of which are in Rocky Mount. Any excess money collected will be used for "more modern equipment," Arrington said.
Those who want to contribute can send their tax-deductible donation to the town. Arrington owns the Bojangles' and Dairy Queen restaurants and a convenience store in the county and donations can be made at those locations as well.
Roanoke.com - By Janelle Rucker
Three Franklin County businessmen are raising money to finish a public safety improvement initiated by Posey Dillon, Rocky Mount's late fire chief.
Lights for Life, started by L.D. Arrington, Joel Sheppard and Danny Perdue, is a campaign to raise $425,000 to equip 28 traffic signals and numerous emergency vehicles with devices that give them the green light at intersections when answering calls.
A few years ago, Dillon, who was also Rocky Mount's vice mayor, requested town council consider adding the devices, already used in Roanoke and Bedford County. The proposal didn't move further because of the cost, Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins said.
Dillon and longtime firefighter Danny Altice were killed July 26 while on their way to a house fire in Union Hall when the fire engine Dillon was driving was struck by a Ford Escape. The fire truck, which held a 1,000-gallon water tank, swerved to avoid the Escape and flipped.
The driver of the Ford had the green light at the intersection of Old Franklin Turnpike and School Board Road and has not been charged.
Since the accident, town officials have discussed installing the safety devices at the busier intersections with higher speeds and the greatest need. Money for that project would have come from the town's road construction fund and would have taken a year or two, Hankins said.
"We think it's great that other business leaders are stepping up and realizing how big a chunk of our road funds it would be," Hankins said. "This community has a generous, giving spirit, especially when there's a demonstrated need."
"We just felt like our county and our area deserves to have the most modern equipment we could provide it," said Arrington, chief executive officer of Arrington Enterprises. "We wanted to put together a package so we could speed up the process."
The group has already accumulated $130,000 in donations, including $25,000 from each of the founders. Other local businesses, including Franklin Community Bank, have pitched in $10,000.
Details are still in the works, Hankins said, but the town intends to match what the group raises.
"We expect to knock this thing out in no time flat," Arrington said.
The money will equip 28 intersections with traffic signals throughout Franklin County, 22 of which are in Rocky Mount. Any excess money collected will be used for "more modern equipment," Arrington said.
Those who want to contribute can send their tax-deductible donation to the town. Arrington owns the Bojangles' and Dairy Queen restaurants and a convenience store in the county and donations can be made at those locations as well.
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