By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — Etna Green and Silver Lake’s volunteer Fire Departments will receive new equipment through a $10 million grant announced by Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Homeland security.

According to a press release from Governor Holcomb and the IDHS, 940 sets of personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus will be purchased to benefit 66 fire departments across Indiana.

“The selection process addressed the poorest volunteer departments first and those with the oldest equipment,” said the press release.

Etna Green Township Fire & Rescue Service

Etna Township Fire Chief Kevin Smith learned of the program when he was looking for grant programs.

Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services serves around 1,500 people, Smith said, and that the department does not have a lot of funding. To take care of the community and their equipment, Smith said volunteer fire departments fundraise and look for grants.

Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services also received support from the Township trustee, which provided funds to purchase two new sets of bunker gear in 2023.

Smith said he applied to the IDHS grant program in 2023. He later received a call informing him that Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services had been selected

“We were fortunate enough to be able to come away with that grant,” he said. “Getting 15 sets of bunker gear, 15 SCBA packs with bottles and masks, that’s going to save our township between $150-160,000.”

Smith explained that Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services are working to retire their oldest equipment, which ranges from 1-20 years old.

One benefit of the grant Smith said is that bunker gear will be ordered to fit 2 new probationary as well as current volunteer firefighters due to cost, which can cost $5-8,000 per person’s set.

“We try to get new probationary firefighters fitted once their probationary period is done, and they’re voted on as an active member”, Smith said.

“The fact that we were lucky enough to get this grant, it just means a lot,” said Smith. “It means that the people who I work side by side with can get that necessary equipment and have the right stuff that’s property fitted to them. So when our community calls, we know we have the best equipment on the market.”

“Being able to get (these grants), especially this one, it’s going to help volunteer fire departments be able to do what they need to do, provide for their personnel and communities in great ways,” said Smith.

Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department

According to Silver Lake Fire Chief John Conley, the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department learned of the of the grant last year and applied.

“Our gear ranges from 15 years to 1 year,” Conley said. “We try to get new members gear after their year probationary period.”

Conley said the department works to replace equipment before 10 years, but that they are not always able to do so.

“Our self-contained breathing apparatus is 17 years old, and we have been trying to get a grant for the last few years to replace it,” said Conley.

Conley said his department learned they were accepted on Friday, April 12 by an email from the IDHS.

“We were elated that we were awarded a grant for 16 sets of head to toe gear and 16 air packs,” said Conley. “This grant saves us $170,000 (or more) if we had to buy (it) ourselves.”

Conley said the equipment will help firefighters have confidence in their equipment.

“Our current packs have issues that will happen one time and then won’t repeat that issue,” Conley explained. “We have them tested every year and any issues fixed at that time. So the new packs will give the (firefighters) the confidence in their equipment that they are wearing.”

“The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department is grateful for the state, the legislators and the governor for thinking of us volunteers,” said Conley. “The price of gear has almost doubled for us from before COVID-19 to now. Our income has not, so any help is much appreciated.”

Upcoming Fundraisers

Smith shared that he hoped to see additional grant programs to help volunteer fire departments replace vehicles such as apparatuses and firetrucks, “for departments that are really hurting.”

Smith explained that apparatuses that are 25 years and older are recommended to be replaced and that firefighting vehicles can cost around $500,000.

Smith explained that it’s important for volunteer departments to fundraise and apply for grants to help cover the costs of gear, equipment, vehicle purchases and training.

“Grants definitely help out a lot,” said Smith. “The fundraisers and the continual support of the community that we get helps us out as well.”

“I don’t ever want to take our community for granted. Without their support with our fish fries and photo fundraisers, and our open house we had last year, we just couldn’t do it,” said Smith. “Our community, our township, everybody combined, the grants, it’s what keeps these volunteer fire departments moving.”

Smith shared that Etna Township Fire will hold their first fish fry of the year from 4-7 p.m., unless sold out sooner, Saturday, May 4. The cost is $10 a pound. Funds raised will go towards equipment, training and vehicle maintenance.

Silver Lake Volunteer Fire will also be hosting their 10th annual golf outing at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Sycamore Golf Course. Teams of four players can sign up for $200 to participate, and $50 for individuals to join a team the day of.

Sponsors are needed for golf holes, door prize, along with a $500 sponsorship to add a name onto golf carts. Inquiries for sponsorships, or to pre-register teams, can be sent to [email protected] or by calling (260) 352-3245 to leave a message.