Medina Rotary donates to 3 local volunteer fire companies

Provided photo: Medina Rotary Club President Ben McPherson, right, presents checks to representatives from volunteer fire companies including Debbie Taylor (East Shelby), Jen Thom (Ridgeway) and Jason Watts (Shelby).

Press Release, Medina Rotary Club

MEDINA – On September 11 of this year the Rotary Club of Medina held a Chicken & Ribs Dinner. Part of the proceeds were designated to go to volunteer fire departments in the area.

On October 27 the Rotarians presented representatives from the Ridgeway, Shelby and East Shelby Volunteer Fire Departments with checks for $250 each for their share of the dinner proceeds.

Representing the fire departments were East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor, Ridgeway Fire Department Accountant Jen Thom and Shelby Fire Department Fire Chief Jason Watts.

Jason Watts informed the club that Shelby has had a record number of ambulance calls this year with over 400.

All three representatives talked about their organizations current and future needs.  The biggest being aging buildings, equipment and members.

A lack of volunteers is a major concern. This is due to an increase in the number of hours required for training before becoming certified.

A majority of calls are no longer for fires but for ambulance services. This is due to the fact that people are home more the past year and a half.

The fire departments were proud of how well they work together and cover for not only each other but also assist the Medina Fire Department.