John Heckaman studies a budget report at a Turkey Creek Fire Board meeting. Heckaman was re-elected for 2022 as president of the board. Photo by Ray Balogh.

By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews

TURKEY CREEK — To say John Heckaman sits on the Turkey Creek Fire Board as its president is an understatement. He does a lot more than just sit.

For the severely modest yearly stipend he receives for his time on the board, Heckaman can also be seen attending other civic meetings, talking to constituents, and plunging into some of the township’s “dirty work.”

“One gal who was mowing a grave noticed that it had started sinking. Dennis Darr and I went out and looked at it. I stepped on it and sank down. Dennis helped pull me up.

“I went back later with a dump truck, got dirt and filled in the hole. I also pulled a deer carcass out of a cemetery after it got hit by a car.”

In doing so, Heckaman has saved the taxpayers money that would otherwise be used to contract a third party. “We just take it upon ourselves to do the work when it is needed,” he said.

“I like being under the radar, where the rubber meets the road,” he said. “I’m not a politician. I like the township, and I’m not interested in going any further in politics.”

Heckaman has always been scrupulous about saving taxpayer money, particularly in his role on the fire board. In that way he is kindred spirits with Fire Chief Mickey Scott, also a steadfast steward of the people’s money.

“We keep track of Mickey’s needs and take his suggestions in general. I listen and look for the best cost effective options, looking ahead to keep the equipment updated so the guys in the department will have the right equipment to work with.

“Everyone works together to take care of the people of the township.”

Heckaman’s dedication to the fire department comes through personal experience. “We have had to use an ambulance. When you see how that works, you appreciate what you’ve got.

“The team of firefighters and EMTs are very professional, like a big department in a big city, but still with the hometown feel. I like being in on it.”

In 2022 the department will receive a new communications system designed to comport with the technology used by public service agencies throughout Kosciusko and surrounding counties.

Another investment that “feels fair to the taxpayer that they are getting their money’s worth” is creating the position of administrative assistant for Scott.

“Bless Mickey for the job he has been doing, but he has really been doing two jobs. He does the payroll, meets with citizens to give out smoke detectors, handles the hiring and keeps track of training, all to the point that, to me, it would be hard to find somebody willing to take on that kind of responsibility.

“I have never known a fire chief who knows his civics so well — city ordinances and state ordinances, protocols, rules and regulations, right down the line,” Heckaman said.

In 2022 “we’ll make sure the wheels keep turning,” he said, urging the citizens of the township to give their input. “Everyone, let us know your questions, complaints or suggestions. Come to a meeting to make a formal presentation.”

He suggested citizens get in touch with him through Township Trustee Julie Close at (574) 457-4175. “She will pass it on to me by phone or email. I will get back to you if it’s urgent, or if it isn’t, invite you to bring it up at our next meeting.”

The fire board meets at 6:45 p.m. the second Monday of each month in Syracuse Town Hall, 310 N. Huntington St.