More funds raised for fire prevention

On hand to receive an $800 grant from The Putnam County Convention and Visitor's Bureau executive director Karla Lawless is Christy Glass, firefighter and fire prevention officer of the Greencastle Fire Department, along with John McPherson, Reelsville Volunteer Fire Department; Mike Smith, Bainbridge; Lee Price, Madison Township; Terry Wood, Floyd Township; Jim Furnas, Van Bibber; Jeff Mace, Greencastle; Kraig Kenney, Operation Life; and Kerry Shepherd, Cloverdale. The Friends of the Greencastle Fire Department help provide dollars, which make fire prevention programs and materials available to educate children, teachers, parents and local businesses within the community.

GREENCASTLE -- The Friends of the Greencastle Fire Department organization was formed in the spring of 2001 and is comprised of people in the community who want to increase awareness of the fire department.

Members of the Friends include the city's mayor, clerk, treasurer, a minister, the president of DePauw University and other community leaders and business people. Its mission is fire prevention and education and has raised awareness of the fire department in the community.

On June 5, Friends Of The Greencastle Fire Department received a grant award of $800 from The Putnam County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Grant executive director Karla Lawless.

Grant money awarded went towards the purchase of three different brochures specifically designed for Restoration After A Fire, Fire Extinguishers Fighting Small Fires and Fire Prevention Begins With You. These brochures were designed to give the information needed to provide the community with educational information, such as what steps to take after a house fire; how to use an extinguisher and what each extinguisher type is used for and monthly safety tips; smoke alarm safety and carbon monoxide safety.

All Putnam County fire departments were given 225 of each brochure to hand out during any and all community functions or as needed.

On behalf of all Putnam County Fire Departments, "Thank you to the Putnam County Convention and Visitor's Bureau for the grant award of $800 to help continue to educate our community on fire prevention and safety education," said firefighter and fire prevention officer with GFD Christy Glass.