Tony Jones, right, visits with PV Fire Chief Joe Eddy during Eddy's retirement reception last Sunday.

By Lindsey Temple 

News Star Reporter

Thanks to some donated labor and hard work from the Walker Volunteer Fire Department, the Walker community now has a newly remodeled emergency shelter.

While the old Walker School has been out of commission for some time now, local citizens have found a way to turn it into a necessity serving the community.

Recently with some help from Garvin County, and some hard work efforts from the community of Walker, the cellar at the Walker School has been remodeled into an emergency storm shelter capable of accommodating 50 to 60 people.

“Before now, the community didn’t have a storm shelter. Storm season is upon us and this shelter is accessible now,” said Assistant Fire Chief, Tony Jones.

Jones helped head the project with help from contractor and community citizen, Jim Stine, along with the volunteer fire department of Walker.

The shelter has newly poured concrete sidewalks, a large parking lot; battery operated lighting, large spacious seating and is handicap accessible.

“We did this for the community. All the credit goes to the fire department, they really worked hard,” explained Jones.

The shelter is located 6 and a quarter miles east of Pauls Valley on old Highway 19 at 42248 East County Road 1570.

Here is a list of public shelters provided by the Garvin County Emergency Management.

Elmore City:
308 N. Main – Elementary School
Watch for signs.
206 N. Muse – High School
201 S. Texas – First Baptist Church/Family Life Center
Enter through east doors on Family Life Center.

Lindsay:
800 W. Creek – Elementary School
Enter at east door by Principle’s Office or northeast door at cafeteria.

800 W. Creek – Middle School
Enter at northwest end of middle school.

Fire Station – Building located directly behind EMS building.

Maysville:
None

Paoli:
Corner of Main & HWY 77 (Oklahoma) – Underground tunnel. Entrance is on either side of road, gray concrete banister leading way down.

Pauls Valley:
None

Stratford:
100 Thompson Dr. – Stratford Housing Authority
Enter at west side.

Wynnewood:
301 S. Chickasaw – Grade School
Enter at east side double doors on South Robberson St.

702 E. Chickasaw – Middle School
Free standing red brick building to west of middle school.