A group of six to 10 volunteers from the Biloxi Fire Department will be making a return relief trip to Three Forks next week to help four volunteer firefighters who lost their homes in a devastating tornado that struck days before Christmas.
Some of the Biloxi firefighters will be making the six-hour drive to the north Mississippi community Tuesday, followed by another group leaving on Wednesday.
“Right now, we’re looking for building materials and monetary donations,” said Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney, who has worked on similar relief efforts in other parts of the country. “When we were up there a few weeks ago to donate a surplus Biloxi fire truck, we found that not only was the volunteer fire department totally wiped out, but four of their 25 volunteer firefighters lost everything they had.
“We’re going to do some debris clearing and build a storage area for them to store their belongings until they get something more permanent. We’re asking for people to help us with this effort, primarily through monetary donations, so we can get the supplies needed.”
Boney said a number of groups, such as Hands On, were helping in the wake of the storm but were forced to evacuate in the last few weeks because of flood threats.
As many as 200 homes were damaged or destroyed in the Dec. 23 tornado, Boney said.
Monetary donations can be made at any Biloxi fire station. For donations of material, leave a message at the Biloxi Fire Museum at 228-435-6119 or jboney@biloxi.ms.us.
Donate online now: Anyone wishing to help in the Three Forks relief effort can securely donate online now, through the Biloxi Fire Museum’s Fund Me account. To see the page, click here.
The name ‘Biloxi’ will live on in Three Forks
Speaking of that surplus fire truck that the City of Biloxi donated to the storm-decimated Three Forks community, a local businessman in Three Forks has offered to donate the painting to put the Three Forks name on the side of the truck, but Three Forks Fire Chief  Joey Jackson told the Hattiesburg American that he planned to leave the original âBiloxiâ in place, with an addition.
Said Jackson:Â âWeâre going to paint âGod blessâ above it, so it will say âGod bless Biloxi.'”
News and notes
Weekend preview: For a look at this weekend’s entertainment lineup in Biloxi and the surround area, click here.
City Council: The next scheduled meeting of the Biloxi City Council will be Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Bingo among Friends: The Biloxi Elks Lodge will host a Friends of Hiller Park bingo night to benefit the Hiller Park restoration efforts on Sunday, Jan. 24, beginning at 2 p.m. Visitors also will find a raffle and live auction, along with food and drinks. The event is open to those 18 and older. To print a flyer, click here.
Podcast reminder: To listen to this week’s City Desk podcast, with CAO David Nichols updating a host of city projects, click here.