Auglaize Township Fire Department celebrates 50 years and recognizes volunteers.
In celebration of 50 years of service, Fire Chief Steve Wagner recognized the volunteers who dedicated half a century to the Auglaize Township Fire Department. Donald J Johnson, Everett E Bennett, and Michael W Andrews were among those honored during the recent celebration on Saturday, August 16.
The roots of the volunteer fire department trace back to 1974 when a community-driven initiative led to the establishment of the department. In the spring of that year, township trustees and residents initiated the formation of their own firefighting force, culminating in their first meeting on April 24 at the Fox Club in Junction. The early leadership included President George Yoh, Vice President Rick Shipman, Secretary Bill Campbell, and Treasurer Vern Stork, with guidance from trustees Bernard Weidenhamer, Bill Link, and Ancel Grove. By January 1975, the team had expanded to include 38 dedicated volunteers, and on March 12 of the same year, they responded to their first emergency call.
The journey that followed was a testament to the community’s dedication and solidarity. A donation drive collected $4,598,62 in funds, while Richard and Helen Colwell generously contributed the station site and surrounding land for recreational purposes. Neighbors also extended loans amounting to $11,000 to support the early expenses. The construction of the steel-frame station, measuring 40 feet in width, 61.5 feet in length, and 14 feet in height, was made possible through volunteer labor, quarry stone, and donated or discounted materials. The department received essential equipment through donations, including a 1950 Ford pumper tanker, a 2,000-gallon tanker from a Defiance dealer, and an International tractor for $450 to facilitate water transportation.
Financial sustainability was achieved through innovative practices. Firefighters transported pool and cistern water, generating $158,784 from 5,282 deliveries between 1975 and 1994. Fundraising events became a tradition, with turkey shoots between 1976 and 2022 raising $54,094.60 and the Ladies’ Auxiliary organizing soup suppers and ice cream socials. A golf outing initiated in 2002 raised $43,853, and breakfasts at the Flat Rock Festival kept the fundraising efforts alive. The station also became a hub for the community, hosting the township’s voting location starting in 1979.
Effective communication strategies ensured the department could respond promptly to emergencies. Before the introduction of 911, an Arthur Telephone “20-fire bar” system coordinated volunteer alerts through a phone tree. During the 1978 blizzard, Don Johnson created a detailed township map to help crews locate every home without the aid of GPS technology. Training remained a priority, with experienced instructors emphasizing the core value of service in a volunteer-based organization.
The recent golden anniversary celebration served as a tribute to all individuals involved in establishing and maintaining the fire department. From the visionaries who laid the foundation to the current firefighters equipped with state-of-the-art gear, each person’s contributions were acknowledged with gratitude. The event highlighted how the collective efforts of residents, through donations, labor, and unwavering loyalty, resulted in the creation of a vital community asset that has safeguarded Auglaize Township for five decades.