Helt Fire & Rescue Receives $8K Grant from Vermilion County CF

The Vermillion County Community Foundation awarded an $8,000 grant to Helt Fire & Rescue to purchase a commercial-grade gear extractor washing machine.

Scott Peebles, Fire Chief of Helt Fire & Rescue states, “Helt Fire and Rescue will be using the gear extractor to clean their personal protective equipment," Scott Peebles, chief of Helt Fire & Rescue said. "Fire contaminants can expose firefighters to cancer-causing carcinogens and other harmful chemicals. Being able to wash equipment after a fire episode will ensure the safety of the firefighters. Having the gear extractor will help to ensure that the members of the fire department will continue to be healthy and safe from life-threatening hazards that can be accompanied by being a firefighter. By ensuring that all members are healthy and safe, this will help serve the community of Helt Township, having a population of approximately 2,610 and housing units of nearly 1,200, with the best of ability that can be given. We are grateful for this donation.” 

“With the declining numbers of volunteer firefighters across the county, the foundation thinks it is in the best interest of the fire department to keep their members and the community safe from spreading carcinogens from their protective gear when we are on scene or at the fire station," Kim Eaton, VCCF director of community engagement, said. "It is a pleasure for the community foundation to award this $8,000 grant.”

Vermillion County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Western Indiana Community Foundation, is a not-for-profit public charity established in 1996 to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to improve all of Vermillion County.