DONATION … Mick Blevins from the Stryker Fire Department (left) accepts a check from Rodney Carlisle with the Bryan Eagles (right) for the purchase of ice rescue suits. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Bryan Fraternal Order of Eagles Local #2233 has donated $1,500 to the Springfield Township Stryker Fire Department for the purchase of Mustang Ice Rescue Suits.
Eli Partee from the Stryker Fire Department and Bryan Fire Department saw the need for this life saving equipment in his department and started to look at how he could obtain them.
He explained that, at Bryan, the department already has these suits as do other departments in the area.
“In emergencies, the seconds count. Instead of having someone’s life in danger and having to wait the extra time for a mutual aid department to arrive, we will be able to act then when it matters the most,” said Eli.
The Tiffin River runs through the service area for the department which is also home to numerous ponds, pools, and creeks.
“Other nearby areas have had calls where kids and animals have fallen through the ice. We have not needed this equipment in Stryker yet, but we have come close,” explained Eli.
The plan at first was to buy the suits with department money and donations. A quote was obtained through the departments supplier which ended up being around $800 a suit.
Rodney Carlisle, a former Bryan Fire Department member and current Eagles member, told Eli that the Eagles organization donates money to local fire and police departments and that the department should write a letter outlining the request.
A letter was then written and presented to the Eagles who donated the money to the department for the purchase of the suits.
The money is going to be used to purchase two suits, with plans to buy more in the future as well as life jackets, helmets, ice picks, ropes and rigging.
With a four-month waiting period for the suits, they should arrive in time for the department to train with them this Summer.
The department is also looking to purchase additional equipment to further their grain bin rescue capabilities with future donations and those made by Gerald Grain Company and Sauder Manufacturing.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com