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There were multiple causes for celebration at the April meeting of Kill Devil Hills commissioners.

First, commissioners cheered the participation of 150 volunteers at Trash Attack who collected 18 cubic yards of trash. Twice the number of residents came out to help compared to last. “It’s the most volunteers we’ve ever had,” said Mayor Ben Sproul. “Thanks for the hard work and thanks to all the volunteers that came out and for the staff that supported the event.”

Commissioners recognized four school children for the best posters advertising Trash Attack. The winners were given certificates of appreciation and gift certificates.

Next, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced that the town’s fire department has received a prestigious class one rating.

Out of 1200 fire departments throughout the state, the town is one of only 28 to receive a class one rating.

“The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department has earned the best of the best class rating. You’ve gone all the way to the top, to a class one, so give yourselves a hand,” said Causey.

Ratings and inspections supervisor Tony Bailey said that the determination is based on a fire department’s training, the town’s water supply, the communication system and community risk. There are 105.5 points possible and the town earned a 90.14.

Bailey said that many members of the fire department have over 300 hours of training. “When you look at that [number], that’s a lot of dedication to your community, to the fire department, and to the town.”

The fire department was present at the start of the meeting, but left to respond to a call.

Fire Chief Troy Tilley drew laughter from the audience when he thanked the men and women of the fire department who are “responding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year even during commissioner meetings when they were supposed to be here.”

“They are here taking care of the emergency response needs of our community and are such dedicated people. I’m fortunate to be on such a great team,” Tilley continued.

The meeting segued nicely to approve a site plan for the new fire and EMS station. The town is partnering with the county to build the new facility at the site of the former Mako Mike’s restaurant.

“It’s a good-looking plan and well researched,” said Sproul.

The site plan was approved unanimously.

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