By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion fire department will soon buy an upgraded gas monitor with money donated by Atmos Energy.

Fire chief Preston Williams was notified the evening before that Atmos representatives would bring a donation to the fire department.

Atmos spokesman Aaron Bishop said gas company employees know fire departments are on tight budgets and want to help out.

“It’s good to build a partnership when we’re not on the scene,” he said. “It’s been a weird year, so anything we can do to help out.”

The donation is part of $55,000 given to fire departments across the state.

“Recent data show that firefighters and emergency medical services providers have seen an increase in emergency calls since the pandemic began, so Atmos Energy has pledged these additional resources to lessen the fiscal strain on personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies and other areas of need,” Bishop said.