Inspiration Point Rural Fire Protection District is growing its facilities.
On Saturday, April 4, IPFD hosted an open house and ribbon cutting for the expanded fire station on Highway 62 West. The expansion includes two new apparatus bays, a community and training center and an updated kitchen.
“It’s really great,” said David Henke, chairman of the Inspiration Point Rural Fire Protection District Board. “We struggled with a small meeting room, and through a generous donation, we’ve been able to build this community center.”
David Henke said he’s looking forward to the future, when the community center can be used for meetings, birthday parties, receptions and more. Nancee Henke, president of the Inspiration Point Fire Protection District Auxiliary, described all the hard work that went into the project.
“We have new cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances … just everything is brand-new in here,” she said. “This area used to not only be our kitchen but our meeting room. That’s where the board met. That’s where a lot of the training would happen.”
When firefighters have training, the auxiliary prepares at least one meal for them. The new space allows firefighters to train in one room while auxiliary members cook in the kitchen, Nancee Henke said.
“It just gives them more space,” she said. “We think it’s going to be fabulous.”
David Henke said he’s thankful to everyone on the board.
“They look at things from a business standpoint, so spending other people’s money … we’re pretty tight with it,” he said. “We’re saving taxpayers’ money and getting good equipment to support the fire department at the same time.”
Charles Jones, the longest serving member of the board, said he’s excited for the firefighters to train in their new space.
“A volunteer fire department is just a bunch of people who are willing to drop everything to help you if you’re in trouble,” Jones said. “That’s the reason for the community room, to try to pull people in because we are a community and we rely on each other.”
IPFD serves western Carroll County, covering approximately 25 square miles and a resident population of about 1,000. Established in 2004, the district provides rural fire protection, hazardous materials response, rescue services, and emergency medical assistance through its first responder program. The department is 100 percent volunteer-based, with 12 active members donating their time and service.
“Last year, we helped with traffic accidents along Highway 62,” Jones said. “We respond to medical emergencies, and we’re the first ones there.”
In addition to the fire station on Ozark Automotive Drive, IPFD has a station on Busch Mountain. Jones said IPFD has a mutual agreement with the Grassy Knob Rural Fire Department and the Holiday Island Fire Department.
“We’re all working together,” he said. “It’s about working with everybody in the whole district.”
Nancee Henke said she loves being part of the auxiliary because everyone is so close-knit.
“Our auxiliary is small, but we’re pretty mighty,” she said. “We get a lot done, and we enjoy supporting our volunteer fire department.”
Ultimately, everyone has the same goal.
“We want to keep our little fire station going and keep our community safe,” Nancee Henke said.
For more information on the IPFD, visit its Facebook page. The auxiliary also has a Facebook page, and Nancee Henke said they’re always looking for people to help support the volunteer fire department.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here