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| Greentown Volunteer Fire Company Officersfrom left to right - Cami Shrock, Ast. EMS Director; Jason Davis, Chief; Mike Kaelin, Captain; Dan Minnich, Safety Officer; Tom Hendrix, Assistant Chief; Berry Allen, Captain; Randy Kennedy, Captain; Lisa Custer, EMS Director |
The Greentown Volunteer Fire Company boasts 43 members but is seeking new applicants. The company responds to a variety of needs, structure and grass fires, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Fire Chief Jason Davis reports that normally 90% of the calls are Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) related, being medical or accidents. Of the 43 current members, some are trained as firefighters, some as EMT’s and some in both disciplines.
The company contracts annually with
the Town of Greentown and Liberty, Union, Jackson and Howard Townships for amounts based on population. These contracts are for fire protection only. Other sources of income are billing for ambulance runs and fire responses, the annual fish fry in September and an annual mailed appeal. The proceeds from the fish fry and appeal are used where needed, usually for equipment and training. Grants are sometimes awarded. A recent grant was from FEMA for 12 sets of new turnout gear at a cost of $17,000.
The vehicles maintained by the GVFC are 2 Basic Life Support ambulances and 5 fire apparatuses. The newest truck is a 2011 Ford F350 which is a brush truck and replaces a 1974 International. The new truck has more safety features such as full body harness so firefighters can ride behind the cab. The $80,000 cost was paid in full from a truck fund, partially from the above mentioned contracts.
Chief Davis was elected January 1, 2011. He is a 7 year veteran of the Greentown company. He first trained as a firefighter and then as an EMT. Anyone interested in being a firefighter, and/or EMT or an ambulance driver can stop by the fire station at 224 N. Meridian Street, or call 628-7750.
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