The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1955-04-07
ALOOK AT THE PUBLIC


Saed SO many times various projects that might
up for consideration in Noble County;
But seldom if ever, does the public get glimpse of
q for SO doing is furnished.
The following letter. an editorial nature comes from
the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department We do con-
asder it grippe slam.
Rather is accurately judging the public through the
eyes of not but 20 individuals who have banded to-
geher on voluntary basis and hereinafter referred to
as the fire department.
In the following paragraphs we will be looking at the
puoG IN Caldwell through the eyes of volunteer fireman
How many times do you suppose the public in Caldwell
and community stop to think of the efforts put forth by
volunteers OF the Caldwell Fire Department Seldom ever
imagine.
This group of 20 volunteers offers the public fire pro-
lection "A hours day at just the blow of whistle They
smunity
They receive $500 hour first hour and $1OO
each hour thereafter but not cent of this money goes
into their pockets 1t is all used buy equipment and in
keeping what they have in good shape This all takes money
"The fire department has the taxpayers of Cald-
well very little since the large truck purchased in 1947
This cost $4,000 The chemical apparatus cost 81 900 in 949
and this year 500 feet of hose purchased for $500
this amount the fire department paid $125 the
the balance In addition there other ncdenta which
brought the total amount spent in the past years
Assuming there are 500 dwellings in Caldwell it
amounts to about $50 each about $0 year
bridge Marietta both cities will spend this much
year During this period of years. Caldwell has
had total loss by fire. due to the timely and
sincere efforts of the volunteer department
~, The city council men do everything they to aid
the department but they limited with funds
volunteers by turning back their hard money count
ing sales tax stamps and sponsoring several benefits have
raised some money
Last they held a festival which wasn't the
best IN the world due to weather and not all the carnival
showing up but with poor cooperation from the public they
received the grand of $4,000 for their days
Last Friday evening" they sponsored another benefit
at the fire department building and this time need the
grand of $170 There only 20 people showed up
for this event.
From funds of their own which they have managed to
build up comes many expenses They buy chemicals to
fight the fire. overas and uniforms for the members brooms
and other necessary items for the upkeep of the building
which the state of Ohio gave to Caldwell
Last year, the department purchased 1949 truck for
35O from their own funds and at the present time about
$500 being spent for tank compartments etc. to convert
mount pump booster hose exnguiSherS, binker lights
and siren will cost another $l500 All this being done
through their efforts that Caldwell might have better
fire protection
mo funds whatsoever from the rural people vet
the boys willing leave their jobs and go any place in
the county they called In the future when the
new truck completed it will be taken out into the county
on all calls and still Caldwell will be protected
"Al this is being done through the efforts of the fire
department that the county whole might have better
protection
AT the present time charge is made for leaving Cad
we'll which just about covers the to the department
Rural people must pay for the mileage plus the chemical
used but this charge is very small compared what
be saved of the buildings and farm
Last year, effort made to draw up contracts
between the township and department which
would guarantee the department much per year in re-
turn for fire protection to all the people in the township
Due to lack OF interest the part of the trustees this
matter eventually dropped"
But in the words of volunteer fire department mem
have and with this their slogan have feeling that
the Caldwell volunteer fire department will go on to bigger
and better heights and eventually achieve their goal