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Columbus BBQ provides new gear for fire department

COLUMBUS—The Columbus Fire Department is now equipped with cooling vests, thanks to money raised by the annual barbecue for July 4th. 

Firefighters with the department received training for the new vests on Monday night. 

Columbus Fire Chief Tony Priester thanked the community for their support of the barbecue this year and said the department was able to purchase the vests from CoolShirt with the donations received. 

“These vests aid our firefighters in cooling down while in rehab from firefighting or on prolonged events,” Priester said. 

Monday night’s training included teaching firefighters on how the vests are used and when they are needed. 

Every year there is a barbecue and gospel singing leading up to the town’s Fabulous Fourth celebration. This year was the town’s 48th annual BBQ and gospel singing, held at veteran’s park. The fundraiser is held to benefit the Columbus Fire Department.