Though its building is barely two months old since its grand opening, the Otto Volunteer Fire and Rescue has been making its presence felt.
While locals are getting used to the new building on Georgia Rd., the department is proving its worth for the entire region.
Chief Bill Fountain (pictured above) said that while the department is mainly charged with serving the Otto community of approximately 7,000 residents, and a primary territory that stretches 69 square miles from the Cullasaja Gorge to the Visit Smokies information center, his 38 volunteers and professional firefighters have assisted units through north Georgia and all around Macon County.
In a nutshell, it provides 24-hour emergency response, fire prevention services, and community safety education for the surrounding area. Technically speaking, the department is responsible for structural protection and even wildfire support.
Here’s a photo essay of the new firehouse inside and out.
History is visible for all to see in the department’s waiting and community rooms.
Chief Fountain said the community truly embraced the department, and many donated money by buying bricks with special messages that now adorn the front section of the building.
