SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — During an emergency, a fast response time is something everyone hopes for and Union Fire Protection Territory is hoping to achieve that by building a new station.
The Union Fire Protection Territory (UFPT) responds to an 84 square mile service territory. What Fire Captain, Jacob Todd, says is the largest service area in Sullivan County. The territory includes parts of the Green/Sullivan State Forest, Red Bird State Riding Area, MauMee Riding Park and the Bear Run Mine. The volunteer units respond to an average of over 300 calls per year.
The UFPT has two fire stations. One in Dugger and one in Pleasantville. If you’ve ever been to the Historic Pleasantville Gym, you’ve probably seen station #2 and didn’t realize it. The station is actually the old shop classrooms of what was Pleasantville High School before it closed back in 1965.
Chelsey Todd, an EMT with the UFPT pointed to the old block building.
“This is the old fire station. it doesn’t have any restrooms; it doesn’t have any running water. So, it’s not up to code,” she said.
No running water at the station means the department has to travel out of the way to refill trucks at the Dugger station or at the mine. Sometimes adding an additional 2-5 miles to response times.
“The only water we have at the station is what we get when it rains,” Captain Todd said.
The new station will replace station #2. It will be built on what locals call the ‘Bucktown Curve’ in Bucktown. What the Todd’s say is a more centralized location. That and running water will help make response times quicker.
“There are two acres here (at the new station property). Bear Run actually donated it to us. Jim Rogers and his family own a sawmill in Sullivan. They actually donated their time and equipment and cleared the entire lot for us, free of charge,” the captain said.
The new station will be 60 by 80 feet with three bay doors, an office, utility room and bathrooms, with running water.
“It’ll house an engine, a brush truck, both of which have medical capability as well, and it’ll house our rescue boat,” Captain Todd said.
“This new station will be up to code. It will be a lot bigger. Able to house more engines, more trucks, more supplies to give us the tools we need to get the job done,” Chelsey added.
During a meeting Thursday, the fire board reviewed three construction quotes and the bidding process is now closed.
“We need to start negotiating and see if they can cover everything. And whoever can cover everything for the best price, we’ll award them,” the captain chuckled.
When will construction begin?
“As soon as we get the septic permit in hand, we can break ground,” he added.
