Meeks Settlement

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

The Meeks Settlement became a recognized Firewise Community/USA on Oct. 8, 2007. A luncheon and recognition ceremony was held Oct. 23, 2007 in the banquet hall of Mount Magazine State Park Lodge. Accepting a plaque presented by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe were Vance Teel, Fire Chief; Debbie Van Camp and Heston Teel.

Vance Teel submitted a letter to the Arkansas Forestry Commission's Rural Fire Program in July 2007 in which he shared how the Firewise program has benefitted residents in Antoine and nearby Meeks Settlement..

"The Antoine Fire Department has a few firefighters from the Meeks Settlement on the fire department. Due to the Firewise program, more people from the Meeks Settlement have come forward asking to join the department. They want to learn more. The community is coming together. One resident has offered his heated work garage to house the fire truck until funding can be found to build housing for the truck. The Firewise program has brought both communities, the Meeks Settlement and Antoine, closer together. The residents of both are working together to improve the community and to ensure the safety of each and every resident. ...

"I would like to say 'thank you' from the Antoine Volunteer Fire Department. The Arkansas Forestry Commission has gone above and beyond in assisting us. Mr. Billy Williams and Danny have been a lot of support for us. We can not thank them enough. We will always be ready to assist you whenever the need arises. Once again, 'thank you' for helping the Meeks Settlement and the Antoine Volunteer Fire Department. The Firewise program has helped show us places that needed attention not only in the community but in our equipment and in ourselves. It has brought both communities closer together and built awareness and support for the fire department."