MEDIA RELEASE

June 23, 2003

Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection District

Starts Fund-Raising Campaign

MACOMB, IL - The Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection District is starting a campaign to raise funds toward the purchase of a needed pumper truck. The district's existing pumper truck is 20 years old and beginning to show signs of age. While the district is maintaining the truck as well as possible, it is now time to replace it. "Our current pumper truck is being maintained as well as possible, but now is the time to replace it," says Fire Chief David Estes, "This truck has served us well for many years."

Over the past twenty years, a lot of advances have been made in firefighting technology that have become the standard on new pumper trucks. The district wants to take advantage of these advances to better serve the district. "This new pumper truck will greatly improve our firefighting ability. Pumping capacity will increase by two-thirds over our existing truck. A firefighting foam system will help extinguish fires faster and with less water, which is very important to us as a rural fire department, but also to property owners as they will have less fire damage. A four-door cab will allow up to five firefighters to completely gear up and be ready upon arrival at the scene," says Estes. Other features such as: a truck powered generator, scene lights, deluge water cannon, and sizable compartments will also help to improve the performance and safety of the fire department.

Through efforts with State Representative Rich Myers, the district is to receive Illinois First money in the amount of $150,000 towards the cost of a new truck once the state releases the money. However, a new truck, fully equipped, will cost the district $205,000.

In anticipation of receiving a new truck, the district has completed an expansion of to the existing station. This expansion will allow room for all of the district's apparatus to be housed and provide additional space for meetings, community use, and storage. This station expansion cost the district $30,000.

The district has been able to save $45,000 over the past several years in anticipation of these needs. However, the district is reluctant to use every penny saved in case there are emergency costs that could arise. The district is about $40,000 short of the funds needed for complete these capital improvements. The district has decided to ask the community for assistance in helping to make these needed purchases. Instead of increasing taxes or asking for a bond referendum, the district is asking for donations to raise money for the fire protection needs of the district. One-hundred percent of all funds raised will be spent on the fire protection needs of the district.

A fund has been established at First Federal Bank, 430 W. Jackson Street, in Macomb for this purpose. Donations may be made to the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection Fund at First Federal Bank or mailed to the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection District, P. O. Box 243, Macomb, IL 61455.

The Emmet-Chalmers Fire Protection District is a volunteer department with 1820 firefighters and 4 trucks. From the West Adams Road station, the department covers an area west of the City of Macomb. The department responds to fires, accidents, and assists hospital paramedics, and provides mutual aid to other area fire departments. Additional information about the district may be found on their web site at: www.ecfpd.org