Have the unseasonably low temperatures and high cost of fuel forced you to look at heating alternatives this year? The Churubusco fire department has already assisted and/or responded to house fires during this cold weather and would like to remind you of some safety tips for the remainder of this winter season.

According to the USFA the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) and deaths (46%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.

Following a few simple steps can ensure the safety of you and your family this season

• Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn.
• Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
• Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home.  When one sounds, they all sound.

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces

Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly.  Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (3 feet) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Each year unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims hundreds of lives and sends several thousands of people to the emergency room for treatment.  At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu.  These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue.

In this tough economy and with the holiday season upon us it’s hard to imagine anyone having the resources to hand over something for free to those in need, but the Churubusco/Smith Twp. Fire Department did just that Tuesday evening. They donated their old rescue truck to another Indiana department.

For the past several months a committee of five firefighters have been sifting through a stack of donation requests from around the country and the world. “We received somewhere around 25 or more”, said fire chief Roger Bennett. “Everywhere from Mexico, Arkansas to New Hampshire and Connecticut. There are a lot of departments in need” continued Bennett.

Before too long the committee narrowed it down to three Indiana departments and in the end Earl Park fire department in southwest Indiana won the donation.

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“Between the three finalist they seemed to be the most needy”, said committee member Bruce Shanabarger.

Currently the department doesn’t even have a truck to carry rescue equipment on, so they have to remove firefighting equipment from other trucks to make room.

“You have no idea how much this means to us” said Mark Jones a 4 year veteran of the department.

Just recently the area around Earl Park divided up their centralized rescue organization that is similar to an emergency management agency and dispersed equipment and trucks to local departments. “We ended up with a box truck that wouldn’t even fit in our station” said Tommy Bennett of Earl Park.

If handing over the truck wasn’t enough, they were given numerous water extinguishers, fire hose nozzles and other miscellaneous equipment to try and make their job a little easier.

We here at BuscoVoice think a round of applause is in order for the Smith Twp. trustee and fire department for thinking of others who are need when they themselves give so much each and every day!

During their annual elections and monthly business meeting Monday night, two Churubusco firefighters were given awards for dedication and heroism.

Ben Rinker was given the Firefighter of the Year award for his dedication to the department and it’s members. “Always willing to help out and be involved”, said firefighter Chris Tomlinson who presented Rinker with the award. Every week firefighters are asked to come down to the station and do maintenance on the trucks, clean the station and provide general housekeeping and Ben is always there willing to help out.

Tadd Shively received an Award of Heroism for saving the life of a woman from a burning mobile home in January of this year. Shively was the first firefighter to arrive on the scene and found heavy smoke coming from the mobile home and a woman still inside waiting for the fire department to show up. He acted quickly and safely in getting not only the woman but himself out of the mobile home before flames errupted from one of the rooms.

The department also elected their leadership for next year which is as follows:

• Fire Chief: Roger Bennett
• Asst. Chief: Wayne Krider
• Board of Directors: Darrell Resler
• Board of Directors: Chris Holloway
• Board of Directors: Ben Rinker
• Board of Directors: Kris Bair
• Board of Directors: Justin Snyder
• Board of Directors: Bruce Shanabarger
• Board of Directors: Ron Slagal

These two men and the entire department could use a round of applause, so feel free to do so below.

It seems no matter your age a visit from Santa during a party is always welcomed with open arms and our local firefighters are no different. During their annual Christmas dinner firefighters were treated to a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, good food and fun.

Todd Shively, Larry Murphy, Roger Bennett, Tadd Shively, Ben Rinker, Dan Gray, Don Chordas, Joe Small, Eric Smith, Kris Bair, Santa, Darrell Resler, Mrs. Claus, Ted Shively, Wayne Krider, Chris Tomlinson

Churubusco firefighters kicked off the 2009 Fire Prevention Week Friday visiting and educating kids on the dangers of fire.

In years past the department has brought in equipment to show the kids and talk about fire safety. This year they added a new feature – a safety house borrowed from Noble county fire departments.

Children attending the classes were instructed on how to crawl low to the ground when smoke was in a room, how and when to dial 9-1-1, electrical hazards and how to be safe in the kitchen when parents are using the stove.

Firefighters Justin Snyder (left), Chris Tomlinson (right) & Jim Horne (inset)

Churubusco / Smith Twp. firefighters were called to the Pit Stop restaurant at approximately 3:45 Wednesday morning for a possible fire inside the building in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Crews entered the 2nd story of the building to find quite a bit of smoke and some fire in a closet area.

Departments from LaOtto, Columbia City, Tri-Lakes & Coesse were called to assist due to the age, location and size of the structure.

The Valero gas station was temporarily shut-down because of it’s proximity to the fire.

The fire was called under control within the first hour.

The building received moderate smoke and fire damage to the second floor, while the water damage was severe on both levels.

The cause remains under investigation.

Firefighters rest while investigators work inside to determine the cause

Churubusco / Smith Twp. firefighters were called to the 6200 block of East Lincolnway Tuesday afternoon to assist Union Twp. (Coesse) on a house fire. A resident of the home is also a Union Twp. firefighter.

Because of the time of day, lack of manpower and the warm temperatures, fire departments from Jefferson Twp, Columbia City, Columbia Twp. and Arcola were also called in to assist with the 4 hour blaze.

Crews battled not only heat and smoke from the structure, but a bit of a hot summer day. No one was injured in the fire. The cause is still under investigation.

Well this tree didn’t actually fall in the woods, but the age old philosophical question of whether or not it can be heard was answered when the resident of this Blue Lake home heard a loud crack, a snap and a boom.

The tree fell for no apparent reason Wednesday morning near the intersection of 550 North and Blue Lake Road.

The Churubusco fire department, police and Whitley County Sheriff were sent to secure the scene and shortly thereafter Whitley County Highway crews and the electric company showed up to clean up the mess.

No one was injured in the incident, but one house did receive minor damage when the phone cable was ripped from the home and tore through the siding.

It's highly unlikely that the resident of this home intended the Welcome sign to be for a large tree

Emergency rescuers were called to the Churubusco Public Library at 1:00 p.m. Aug. 12 to help a man who had accidentally cut himself while using a power washer.

Fire rescue and EMS personnel decided that the safest way to get the man off the roof would be a ladder truck, with the closest one being in Columbia City. Not too long after they were requested a “man lift” from C&A showed up and safely removed the man and rescue workers from the roof. The Columbia City fire department was no longer needed.

The patient was transported to an area hospital in good condition with a laceration to his leg.

The patient seems to be safe, but isn't someone left behind on the roof?

Rescue workers cautiously move the man from the roof to the lift

The long anticipated and always well-attended Churubusco Chamber of Commerce Picnic in the Park will be Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, starting at 4:00 p.m.

This year however, firefighters are going to challenge the Chamber in a series of events instead of just a single softball game. There will be Olympic-like series of events such as a water balloon toss, 3-legged race, “dizzy basketball” and plenty more. Chamber members and organizations are encouraged to attend and participate in the events.

There’s another new twist this year – dozens of local merchants have donated to a raffle and Chamber officials will give away thousands of dollars worth of prizes to local residents during the picnic. However, winners need not be present to win. You can view the entire list below.

Cost of the tickets is $3.00 each or 4 for $10. Buy raffle tickets today through Aug. 22 at the following merchant locations:

• Gonink Design & Print, U.S. 33 South, (behind Subway)
• K & K Video & Books
• Fort Financial Credit Union
• Farmers & Merchants Bank
• Star Financial Bank

All profits from the event will go toward Chamber projects such as Churubusco’s downtown Christmas decorations.

The fire department will be hosting a truck show from area departments and handing out awards such as Longest Trip, Oldest Truck, Newest and much more! There are also preliminary plans to have the Get Out Alive smoke house to teach kids how to safely escape a smoke filled room during an emergency. If that isn’t available, they plan on setting up mini fire hoses for the kids to experience the thrill of spraying water from a real fire truck!

This house is similar to what the fire department hopes to use that day

In addition to kids’ activities, free hot dogs, kettle corn, sno cones and concessions, there will be a car/truck show hosted by the Churubusco Lions Club. The Cruise-In will run from 11:00 a.m. through 4 p.m. Plaques will be awarded at 3:00 p.m. with door prizes given throughout the day.

Dave and Sherry Brady were participants in the car and truck show hosted by the Churubusco Lions Club in 2008. (Buscovoice.com file photo)

For more information on participation or donations, contact Chris Tomlinson at 260-312-0126 or Greg Veerkamp at 260-693-0308.

Thousands of dollars in prizes

First Prize: $300 Egolf’s IGA Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $250 Mor For Less Gift Certificate
Third Prize: Family Sports Pass to Churubusco High School

Others include:

• 52 rentals from K&K Video
• 1-Year Class at Hit The Floor Dance Studio
• Subway gift card
• (5) $15 East of Chicago Gift Cards
• (3) 9-Holes at Eel River Golf
• (2) 1-Year Subscriptions to Churubusco News
• Jewelry from ‘Busco Watch
• J&D Photo Gift Basket & $50 gift card
• $50 Savings bond from Churubusco Vet
• $50 Savings bond from Farmers & Merhants
• $30 Gift card from Grammies House
• Tax preparation from H&R Block
• Custom shelf from Brown’s Woodworking
• 1-Year Subscription to Post & Mail
• (2) $25 Gift cards to ‘Busco One Stop
• (3) $10 Gift certificate to Tennis’ Ramble Inn
• $25 Gift certificate from Shroyer’s Hardware
• $20 Gift certificate from Precision Sharpening
• Putter & Towel from National City Bank
• $25 Gift card from Fort Financial
• Notre Dame gear from Bargain House
• 1/2 Hour massage at Biddle Chiropractic
• Gift certificate to Wilma’s Health Care
• $20 Gift certificate to K&K’s 2nd Best Clothing
• (2) Mum’s from Jone’s Greenhouse
• Sweatshirt from Perry’s Country Store
• (1) Large pizza from Pit Stop
• (1) Oil change from Turtle Town Quick Lube
• Haircut from Mark’s Barber
• Silk arrangement from Watering Can
• (1) Oil change from Brady’s Auto
• 1-Month rental at Care Storage
• Basket & haircut from Hair Solutions
• Classes at Curves
• Do-It-Best hardware items

A head-on collision Sunday evening sent three people to area hospitals with minor injuries.

It happened around 6:15 p.m. on S.R. 205 in front of the Nazarene church.

Three people were transported complaining of neck, rib and leg pains, while an occupant of one of the vehicles refused treatment.

Despite a forecast of bad weather for the area, residents came out in large numbers to support the Churubusco fire department. With the bad economy, very warm weather and poor forecast, the firefighters were still very pleased with the turnout and support they received.

Bob Amber steals some fish from Ron Slagal to feed hungry visitors

Apparently it takes a lot of muscle from firefighter Ben Rinker to carry fish around for visitors

Former firefighter Chris Crapser chats with Darrell Resler and Roger Bennett

Dan sure does love cooking those fish and tenderloins!

Firefighter Jim Horne is caught red handed sneaking in a small sampling of corn

Churubusco and Huntertown fire departments responded to a garage fire Wednesday afternoon in the area of Miller & Wesley Chapel Road, only to find the garage had been completely destroyed and it appears the entire property has been abandoned for some time.

The structure was entirely on the ground when fire units arrived and very little of the contents survived, including several cars, a pickup truck and a tractor.

The scene when firefighters first arrived

Churubusco police, fire and Whitley County EMS units were called to the intersection of U.S. 33 & Carroll Rd. Friday afternoon for an automobile accident with injuries.

A female driver of this Jimmy had swerved to miss a vehicle turning into a driveway near the intersection and rolled the truck once landing on it’s wheels.

Both her and her son were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. Allen County Animal Control units were called to tend to a small puppy who was also injured in the accident.

Last Thursday the Churubusco High School S.A.D.D. chapter and local emergency agencies put on a demonstration prior to the annual prom night in an effort to educate local high school students on the dangers of drinking and driving.

In 2007 16-20 year old’s comprised of over 1,500 deaths, which was 12% of all fatalities that year.

On average someone is killed by a drunk driver every 40 minutes. In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people died in drunk driving related crashes—a decline of 3.7 percent from the 13,491 drunk driving related fatalities of 2006.

S.A.D.D. members and staff created a graphic scene of what it might look like if students were impaired while driving. The video below is entirely staged, but it may be unsuitable for some viewers. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

On Thursday March 12th, the Smith Township Fire Department took delivery of a new 14 Foot non walk-in rescue truck from Life Star Rescue of Van Wert, Ohio.

This new rescue truck replaces a very old and worn out rescue truck. The previous rescue truck was a 1979 Chevrolet 1-ton Van with a utility box mounted on the back that was originally purchased and owned by Whitley County.

The new rescue truck is mounted on a 2009 Chevrolet C5500 series 4 door cab and chassis with a 330 HP Diesel Motor and Allison automatic transmission. Some of the other features of the new rescue will be, seating for 4 firefighters in a climate controlled cab, 14 foot aluminum rescue body, 9000 lbs. portable winch that can be used on all sides of the truck, 15,000 watt generator, 6000 watt light tower, SCBA fill station, Holmatro Hydraulic Rescue Tool System, and two new safety features – a color rear view camera system and red and white reflective Chevron striping on the rear of the truck.

“The truck will be utilized for carrying manpower, used as an air supply unit and transport rescue equipment to accidents and other industrial emergencies”, said fire chief Roger Bennett. “We now have a piece of apparatus that is safer for our personnel because they will all be facing forward and have seating with proper safety belts”, he continued.

The members of the rescue truck committee have spent many hours working on the specifications for this truck, viewing several in the area to get ideas for this since June of 2007 and several trips to Life Star Rescue in Van Wert.

Approximately 20 years ago Smith Township initiated a Cumulative Fire Fund and since it’s initiation the fund has given the township the ability to buy three quarters of a million dollars in fire equipment paid in full. “The taxpayers of Smith Township  will not have to make payments or pay any interest to have this valuable resource available”, said former trustee Don Amber. “Smith Township will continue to save money for future purchases by the fire department as we have in the past with no additional strain on the pocketbooks of the taxpayers”, said current trustee Patty Amber.

The Smith Township Fire Department would like to thank the following members of the committee for their help in the job that they have done.

Roger Bennett – Chief, Committee Chairman

Wayne Krider – Assistant Chief

Jim Horne – Firefighter

Taya Walden – Firefighter

Tadd Shively – Captain

Don Chordas – Firefighter

Ron Slagal – Captain

Chris Tomlinson – Firefighter

Firefighters gather at the station shortly after the truck arrived

Personnel inspect the lighting and radio systems

The back part of the truck holds the rescue tools or more commonly known as the "Jaws of Life"

The back portion of the truck holds a fill station that allows firefighters to fill their air bottles on the scene

Many of the compartments have "transverse" trays for easy access to equipment on either side of the vehicle

The recent EF1 tornado that struck parts of Columbia City and damaged buildings on the outskirts of town has created some heightened awareness about these deadly storms and the Smith Twp. / Churubusco Fire Department would like to remind citizens of some very key points of safety and awareness.

Governor Daniels has proclaimed March 15 through 21, 2009 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. The National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Education, Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, and Amateur Radio Operators, will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on Wednesday, March 18 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. EDT.

Things To Know

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable to have a tornado. Maintain a close look out for changes in the sky and stay tuned to local weather stations.

Tornado Warning: This means there is an actual tornado reported or radar indicates one could develop within a few minutes. Seek shelter immediately.

If a tornado warning has been declared and the Churubusco area is in the path of the storm the fire department will more than likely sound the tornado siren which is a three-minute solid tone. If you hear the long sounding siren, find a solid structure and wait for the “all clear”. An indication that the situation is now safe will be three 10-15 second bursts of the same siren.

During a Tornado

• Basements, inner rooms and storm cellars provide the best protection
• Stay away from exterior walls, windows, and doors. Stay in the center of the room
• If you are in your car do NOT try and outrun the tornado because it can switch direction and can cover lots of ground quickly. You may have seen the infamous video of people taking shelter under a bridge overpass. This is not a place to be because people can be sucked out into the open or be struck by flying debris
• If you live in a mobile home, get out IMMEDIATELY. Take shelter in a building with a strong foundation
• Listen to a radio, watch T.V. or purchase a weather radio so you can be alerted about the situation

After a Tornado

• Stay out of damaged buildings
• Help others that might be injured when the situation is safe. Remember, a damaged structure is not a safe place to be
• Be aware of possible water, gas or oil leaks
• Stay away from all down power lines they could still be live

Have further questions about these storms? Feel free to leave them below and a representative from the department would be happy to answer them or point you towards someone who can.

Each year thousands of acres of American forests are damaged or destroyed by uncontrollable wildfires.

Thankfully in northern Indiana we don’t have to fear raging fires that can destroy entire neighborhoods or take lives, but we do have areas of wide open fields that can cause damage to structures and injure people if precautions are not taken.

Already this week the Churubusco fire department has responded on three field fires in two days. They would like to remind people of a few safety tips during this spring season.

Sunny warm weather has given people an opportunity to burn in their burn barrel or to get rid of some of those limbs from the winter ice storm we had this year. And as wet as it seems, much of the taller grasses are extremely dry.

Combine these two things with a slight wind and you have a recipe for a raging fire.

Tips on burning

• Keep a garden hose, bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in the event a spark flies out of the container
• Have some tools such as rakes or shovels handy to possibly stamp out small burning embers
• Only use containers that can keep embers from blowing out or on to the ground
• If the wind is even remotely blowing outside, it’s better to wait until they die down or when there is no wind at all
• Do not, under any circumstances attempt to put out a fire that can’t easily be extinguished with at least a bucket of water. Call 9-1-1 immediately!
• Never leave a fire unattended at any time and keep all children/pets away while burning

Firefighters make a second trip around this burning field at the Shady Grove mobile home park

This fire in Shady Grove started from a discarded cigarette butt

Three vehicles were involved in a minor accident in the 400 block of South Main Street Saturday afternoon.

No injuries were reported, but one vehicle was possibly smoking and the fire department was called.

Firefighters assess the vehicle and help with traffic control

Churubusco fire and EMS units were called to Dogwood Lane and Blue Lake Road Saturday afternoon for a possible house fire.

Captain Shively then found the resident, Pat Beyer still inside the structure. After helping remove the resident from the structure the fire flashed over into the front of the structure and out the front door.

Emergency crews arrived shortly thereafter and found a large amount of fire and smoke pushing out of the windows and front door of the home.

Upon entering the firefighters found extremely heavy fire and smoke in two separate rooms, which hampered their efforts to contain the fire in the one story home. The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour. No injuries were reported. The home and much of its contents were a total loss.

The Thorncreek (Tri-Lakes) fire department was called in to assist with water and manpower and LaOtto fire department was called in for extra water supply.

The fire remains under investigation.

Photos by Chris Tomlinson

Firefighters prepare to enter the heavily involved home

Crews clear items from the home