May 11, 2017 - âWhat residents see today â a Fire Department of 129 firefighters, four civilian employees and seven
CITY OF ELKHART FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR TIM NEESE
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2017
City to celebrate 150 years of the Elkhart Fire Department ELKHART (May 11, 2017) – This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Elkhart Fire Department. Mayor Tim Neese and Fire Chief Chad Carey announced today plans to celebrate this milestone in a way that both honors the service and incorporates the public which they serve. “What residents see today – a Fire Department of 129 firefighters, four civilian employees and seven fire stations – began back in 1867 with just three individuals who were appointed as fire wardens and began organizing the fire department for the then-town of Elkhart,” Neese said. “Over the past 150 years, the department has grown and adjusted to the ever-changing needs of the community. I feel it is extremely important that we honor this rich history of service which has helped to establish one of the premier fire services in the state of Indiana.” To kick-off the three day celebration, the public will be invited to a recognition ceremony in which Mayor Neese will unveil an honorary street sign dedicated to Earl Garl, Elkhart’s first firefighter to die in the line of duty on December 11, 1908. The ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15 near the intersection of East St. and Waterfall Dr. Following the street dedication, a temporary red stripe will be painted down the middle of East St. between Waterfall Dr. and Division St. in recognition of the Department’s 150 years of dedicated service. The celebration will continue on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17, as the city welcomes the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge to the streets of downtown Elkhart. This is the 26th year of the challenge, but the first time it has ever been to this region. The firefighter combat challenge will be a two-day, family-friendly event that will promote health, wellness and competition. The event will be a regional qualifier for the national competition and will feature team, relay and individual events. The city anticipates a minimum of 75 competitors from the Elkhart Fire Department as well as departments from across the country. This will attract around 5,000 spectators over the course of two days. “With multiple opportunities to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Elkhart Fire Department, we hope to provide something for everyone to enjoy,” Carey said. “In particular, I encourage the public to come out and support our local firefighters who will be competing for the opportunity to represent Elkhart at the national level.” The Elkhart Common Council will also honor the 150th year of the Elkhart Fire Department at their May 15 meeting. Council Vice President Adam Bujalski will introduce a resolution affirming the Council’s full support for the fire department and the events planned in their honor.
All celebratory events, including the combat challenge, are open to the public and free to all spectators. -30-
