Shown with the new gear from left are Ryan Shoemaker, Kevin McSherry and Shade Keeney. Photo provided by Burket/Seward Township Fire Department.

News Release

BURKET — The Burket/Seward Township Fire Department recently took delivery of new ice and water rescue equipment provided by Kosciusko County REMC via their “Round-up Grant” Program. Because of the assistance provided by Kosciusko County REMC, the department was able to purchase new cold water rescue suits, life jackets rated for rescue, new water rescue rope, and associated hardware.

“Our department has made several water related rescues in the last few years but we were starting to deal with some aging equipment. With multiple lakes and rivers in our area, providing our firefighters with proper safety equipment is imperative to efficiently serve our community,” said Shade Kenney, assistant chief.

The Burket/Seward Township department consists of 29 dedicated men and women who donate a substantial amount of time each year to provide Fire and EMS coverage to its citizens. Like many small departments in the area, funding is limited and it relies on donations to allow them to provide quality service with quality equipment.

“Along with thanking KREMC, we would like to also recognize the KREMC customers who actively participate in the “operation round-up program.” In this program, customers voluntarily choose to round-up their electric bills to the next dollar, thus allowing the proceeds to be used by a KREMC advisory committee to assist departments such as ours with financial support,” said Keeney.