Community Support Helps Fund Local Fire Department’s Needs

ZANESVILLE, OH –Two fire departments were awarded over $7,000 each on Thursday thanks to a local fraternal organization.

 The Moose Lodge in Zanesville presented both the National Trail volunteer fire department and the Falls township volunteer fire department with checks in recognition of their community involvement.

“Being able to do the charitable part in your community is a part of what the moose is about. We take care of the kids, take care of the elderly, and we can pretty much take care of ourselves. But you need to have a footprint in your community, and you want to be able to help as much as you can. This is just the first step that they’ve taken to be a part of that,” said William Rader, Moose International Territory Manager. “Yes, and we’re very happy and excited to present those checks to the fire departments,” added Amy Bowman, Moose Lodge administrator.

 The departments expressed their gratitude and plan to use the donations to upgrade aging equipment for better community safety.

“To know that the community is behind us is the best thing of all,” said Pastor Mark Combs, volunteer firefighter. If the community is not behind us, then we aren’t doing things the right way. So, when the community supports us, that’s a shot in the arm to us to know we are doing the things we’re supposed to do.” 

 “We’re going to use that money towards our water rescue and dive team. We have the only dive team in Muskingum County. We respond to any water emergencies anywhere in the county that is needed so we have full drysuits, full face masks, underwater communications and we’ve been doing that since 2013 so that equipment is aging and we’re in the process of wanting to try to get it replaced,” said Fire Chief Brady Johnson.

This donation enhances the fire departments’ ability to serve and protect the community effectively.