Tanner Hunley, left, was sworn in as a regular firefighter by Steve Snyder, attorney for both the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board and Turkey Creek Fire Territory Board. Hunley was sworn in at the start of the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board meeting held Monday night, Jan. 13. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Tanner Hunley was sworn in from probationary firefighter to regular firefighter during the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board’s regular meeting Monday night, Jan. 13.

Joe Cazier, township trustee, told the board requests for assistance have picked up later in 2024 due to the mobile home industry. He was assisting a number of people, who would be working in the RV industry, but got laid off and then rehired.

Cazier said he expects requests for assistance with NIPSCO to drop off as he has directed those needing utility assistance to more permanent resources.

He has sent a contract to the Milford Food Bank but has not heard back yet.

The township earned $40,901.79 in interest. Total interest for the fire territory in 2024 was $127,274.

The township advisory board approved sending three firefighters to paramedic classes at a cost of $8,000 each. Also approved was renewing Lexipol, which offers assistance in policy and procedures for the fire territory. A new automatic door closer for station two was approved at a cost of $4,412.

In discussion from the board, Matt Dunithan, board chair, said he would like to sit down with Chief Mickey Scott and the captains to go through the budget to see if there are any savings to be found, such as possibly a better cell phone plan.

Cazier noted he will be taking over some of the utilities when he moves the trustee’s office over to the annex building, located on the north side of station one.

There was some discussion regarding Lexipol, which Scott and Capt. Quinn Hunter said assists them greatly as it spells everything out.

Dunithan also mentioned a call to action regarding proposed House Bill 1233, which would require of all counties except Marion: Township government dissolved, county executive assuming power/duties of trustees for fire and emergency services; all fire territories and districts dissolved by January 2027; the county would adopt a county/fire/emergency services plan; a county emergency management director would oversee operations (would act as a fire chief); an elected county trustee would administer assistance; and various other provisions, including dissolution of certain unincorporated towns.

Dunithan encouraged everyone to reach out to their local representatives to tell them this bill should not be passed as it will have a negative impact on fire and EMS service. Cazier noted the passage of this bill could have devastating consequences for those in the area needing assistance.

Board member, John Heckaman, offered to inform Syracuse Lake Association and Wawasee Property Owners Association of this impending bill. It was also noted a similar bill was proposed several years ago and was never voted on due to voters speaking out against it.

Dunithan noted he signed the necessary paperwork for his conflict of interest, as he works for Dunny’s Pump Service, which works on the firetrucks.

The board also approved paying a repair bill for a firetruck in the amount of $20,579.99.

Cazier was asked about House Enrolled Act No. 1167, which goes into affect July 1. This new law will require all public meetings of elected officials to be recorded and broadcast live on a website. Cazier said his current plan is to piggy back on what Syracuse Town Manager David Wilkinson is working on for the Syracuse Town Council.