Huron fire hosting open houses

HURON — Two scheduled events allow people to check out a new fire truck, enjoy hands-on activities and learn about a crucial issue on an upcoming ballot. Huron firefighters welcome community members to attend either or both of the open houses scheduled for this month, both occurring from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays: • April 18 — at Huron Fire Station No. 1, 417 Main St. in Huron • April 25 — at Huron Fire Station No. 2, 1820 Bogart Road, in Huron Township "This is a great opportunity for the community to come visit the Huron Fire Department and see the stations, meet the people that respond and the equipment they use," Huron fire Chief Kevin McGraw said. "It's important that the community knows we are here and available and not just when we are operating at an emergency," McGraw added. "We are grateful for their long continued support, and we show that appreciation by continuing to provide our high level of service but by also inviting them in to spend some time with us." Looking at the levy During these open houses, firefighters intend to convey important information as it pertains to a vital vote both city and township residents can decide upon. For the May election, registered local voters can expect to see a 1.5-mill additional and continuing levy on the ballot. This measure aims to increase taxes specifically for generating new funding so Huron firefighters can continue protecting and serving the public. In a world of rising expenses, the department continues to operate with less money than ever before. The fire department's last new-money levy received approval in 1999. "For the last 27 years, the department has gone above and beyond to be fiscally responsible to ensure that stations are manned and apparatus with trained professionals are responding to any call for service," McGraw said. He continued: "Multiple projects have been put on hold or partially completed due to operating within the department's budget. There are some much-needed improvements to the city fire station that we've been unable to address. Nothing has gone down in cost, and our requests for service have gone up." McGraw notes, even before his arrival, Huron firefighters constantly seek out and do secure grants to help offset local contributions. "But we cannot rely on them as a steady source of funding," he said. "We have done our best to provide an essential service at a high level while continuing to be fiscally responsible with the tax dollars provided to us for the last 27 years." If the levy doesn't receive approval, then higher-cost purchases — such as for fire trucks, ambulances and equipment — would be affected. And it could even mean a reduction in workforce, as Huron fire today operates with 15 full-time and 29 part-time firefighters. "We are extremely grateful for the support the Huron community shows us and ask that they continue it by supporting the proposed fire levy in May," McGraw said. "I understand the gravity of asking for additional tax dollars at this time, however, we feel it is a necessary investment in our communities' safety moving forward."