Chalybeate VFD Open Letter of Thanks: Increased Fire Dues Have Made Positive Impact

The following open letter is from the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department:​

The Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Chalybeate Fire District.  The magistrates voted for an increase of $5 on your annual Fire Department Dues.  It may not mean much to you, but it's caused a lot of great things to start to take place at our Department. 

Our Turn Out Gear has to be replaced every ten years.  It costs over $2,000 for one set of gear for one firefighter. We have struggled the last several years trying to find a way to replace our much outdated equipment.  Our firefighters are always ready to serve the people in our district and to help out in other districts when called.  We always give 100%. 

The increase in our dues has allowed much needed maintenance on our vehicles, we've replaced outdated radios, and we're now ordering new Turn Out Gear. We have purchased five sets of Turn Out Gear.  We still have several more sets that need to be replaced in order for our Department to be in compliance.  These things would not be possible without the increase.   This is just the beginning of what will allow us to better serve our Fire District.   Again, we would like to thank our great Chalybeate Fire District and the support they give us daily.  It is our pleasure to help you in your time of need.
 
--Thanks from the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors and the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Fighters