April 21, 1979

Volunteer firefighters

       A he following article was printed as a 'letter to the editor' in this week's Daily Journal newspaper, based out of Franklin, Indiana, and re-printed with their permission:

To the editor,

As you know, White River Township is one of the fastest growing communities in our area. For those who are new in the area, and others, this is their White River Volunteer Fire Department. At the present time the department consists of 24 firemen, a cadet program and ladies auxiliary. The department is located 450West just south of Smith Valley Road, and maintains the following equipment; A 1968 Dodge with 600 gallons of water and a 250 G.P.M. pump, and needed equipment, 1972 Ford C-900 Class ‘A’ pumper that has 750 gallons of water with a 750 G.P.M. pumper with other necessary equipment, A 1977 Ford C 900 Class ‘A’ that carries 2000 gallons of water and a 750 G.P.M. which can be used as a transfer pump and also carries a variety of needed equipment; 1954 Jeep with 80 gallons of water for small field or woods fires, and a 1968 Dodge Power Wagon with four-wheel drive. This truck has no water or pump but contains the rescue and life support equipment such as shock pants, splints and many other items just to mention a few. The men on the department are ordinary citizens of White River giving their time and effort for the community. There are no paid firemen on this department, nor reimbursement for gas used on runs etc., these are volunteers. They are not part-time firemen, but 24-hour 7-day-a-week firemen. They take hazardous chances to save lives and fight fires. It has been proven that firefighting is the most hazardous job there is. In addition, these men donate many hours of their time to study and training every Tuesday night and Thursday morning. They are required to know how to operate all engines and equipment carried on these engines and to keep up-to-date on latest fire fighting techniques. In addition, they attend classes at other departments such as Wayne Township Fire Academy, Perry Township Fire Department, IUPUI, Indiana Central, Richmond Fire Conference and the Tri-County Training Association. Also, they are required to maintain an advanced first aid card or acquire their Emergency Medical Technician certificate. At the present time there are seven qualified EMT’s on the department and nine that have just taken their state examination to become EMT’s. This training required two nights a week for 16 weeks. To add to the above time donated these men must maintain the station as you would your home with painting, reroofing, etc. The trucks must be cleaned and washed after each run. Maintenance on the radios and engines, are also done by them. The runs of the department have increased by 75 percent over the last four years, a total of 356 runs last year, which does not include assists. These men are dedicated and respond when needed, regardless, of time or weather to serve you. They have been known to leave their families in restaurants, shopping centers, doctors’ offices, etc., when a run comes in. The White River Township district covers County Line Road on the north to Stones Crossing on the south, from White River west to Honey Creek Road on the east. This is approximately 35 square miles, 3,800 homes and about 10,000 population, steadily growing. The fire station is open Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 9a.m. for training, and we welcome residents, for this is their White River Township Volunteer Fire Department that needs public support.

Members of the White River Township Fire Department

    

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