For more than 60 years, Moneta Volunteer Fire Department has served Smith Mountain Lake and surrounding communities. In that time, firefighters who volunteer their time have saved countless lives.
The department was formed in 1956 with the help of the Moneta Ruritan Club. The firehouse was originally located in old downtown Moneta, near Lake Christian Ministries, before moving to its current location in 2000.
The funding necessary to continue operating the department comes mostly from the community it serves with Bedford County providing only a portion of that budget.
“Bedford County supplies 25% to 30% of our budget,” said Moneta Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jeremiah Calhoun.