(Editor’s note: Below is a letter sent to the Montezuma community by Montezuma Fire Chief Joel Kercheval):
By Joel Kercheval
Fire Chief
Fire Prevention Week is here again – October 6th through October 12th.
Fire Prevention Week is always held during the week of October 9 – the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire.
We encourage you to take time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and fire alarms. The heating season will also be upon us, so once again we remind you to check your woodburners, chimneys and furnaces to see that they are in good repair and not obstructed. Finally, be sure your house numbers are in clear view from the road.
Operation EDITH will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9th, at 6:30 p.m. We encourage everyone, young and old, to practice the exit drill from your home or apartment. Your family’s well-being may depend upon their knowledge of this exercise. Remember, fire prevention should be practiced all year long, not just during Fire Prevention Week.
Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 10th, for a spaghetti supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at the fire station. Donations for the supper will be appreciated.
The Montezuma Fire Department responded to over 300 ambulance and fire calls during the 2018 year. In addition, department members spent many hours in training and continuing education classes.
In 2018, the Montezuma Fire Department was active in updating equipment to better serve the surrounding communities. A major purchase this year was battery-powered extrication equipment at a total cost of more than $30,000.
The department will be continuing to replace our aging turn-out gear (fire coats and trousers). We are scheduled to purchase four new sets this year at a cost of roughly $12,000.
We pride ourselves on providing quality service and cover not only the city of Montezuma, but also Lake Ponderosa and the surrounding townships with fire and ambulance service.
We receive very little tax support. Together, we can make Montezuma and the surrounding area a safer, better place.
Thank you for your support!
We wish you a safe remainder of 2019 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Joel Kercheval
Chief
To mail in a donation:
Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department
P.O. Box 314
Montezuma, Iowa 50171-0314