GASTON – The members of the Gaston Rescue Squad continue to work towards normalcy.

Nearly two weeks after fire destroyed the squad building and two rescue vehicles, members are continuing to work with a borrowed vehicle and are diligently seeking a return to normal operation.

&uot;Right now we’re still using one borrowed truck,&uot; Rescue Commander Robert Byrum said. &uot;We have a new vehicle, but because everything has not come in, it isn’t fully stocked.&uot;

As the rescue squad is working to build a new building, replace vehicles and replace supplies, they are receiving help.

Monday afternoon they received assistance from the Northampton County Board of Commissioners.

On a motion from Commissioner Fannie P. Greene (D-5th), the Board voted unanimously to make a $5,000 emergency appropriation to the rescue squad to help with the cost.

&uot;We are happy to be able to do something to assist the rescue squad with the big loss they had,&uot; Greene said. &uot;This is just a way to try to give something back to help them get back to some normalcy.&uot;

Byrum said donations like those had helped the rescue squad, but admitted more were needed.

He said they were trying to get a fundraiser together for next month as they try to offset the cost of their loss.

Currently the rescue squad is working with contractors to replace the building and Byrum said he hoped that could be accomplished in the next six months, although a firm timetable had not been established.

Anyone wishing to aid the rescue squad can send donations to Gaston Rescue, P.O. Drawer 699, Gaston, NC 27832.