This is a re-type of the newsletter sent out by the Firefighters Association in May 1999

The Somerset Township Fire Department and Rescue is preparing for it's 20-year Anniversary.  The department was founded September 1st, 1977 when a group of concerned citizens got together and decided that the township needed a fire department.   Through months of hard work and dedication that group obtained the equipment to open the township fire department.  They spent the next 21 months getting the training they needed to meet the challenges they would face.  On June 1st, 1979 the department went in service.  There is still one of the founding members on the department, Ted Burdick, who is celebrating his 21-year anniversary.

Since that time the department has grown in the service it provides to the citizens.  On September 1st, 1994 the department started providing a Medical First Responder rescue service.  In conjunction with this, the Reading Emergency Unit established an ambulance in the Somerset Fire Station.  There is now an ambulance stationed in our township, and 22 members of the Somerset Fire Department operate it, besides the full time day crew.

In 1996 and 1997, the Somerset Township Fire Department & Rescue was the busiest department in Hillsdale County.  Most of this has to do with the services the department offers.  Fire protection, Medical First Responders, extrication, water rescue, and an automated External Defibrillator.  This department now has the capabilities to handle almost any emergency that should arise is the township.

EQUIPMENT - The department operates with the help of 6 pieces of apparatus.   We have two fire engines, both with the capacity of 1000 gallons of water.   There are two grass fire rigs for grass and field fires.  These trucks also assist us during severe weather.  One of the grass rigs also has a portable pump capable of pumping 500 gallons a minute to fill tankers.  The rescue van is for medical emergencies and carries the extrication tools for personal injury accidents.   Finally there is the rescue boat, which is designed specially for water emergencies. This boat is also made so that our portable pump can be placed in it and used for fires on the lakes.  We were able to purchase this equipment, rescue boat, rescue van and one grass rig from grants.  This cost the township very little and yet has added immensely to the department's capabilities.  One other thing we were able to purchase with a grant was out "Jaws of Life" extrication tools.  The jaws and the rescue van were paid for with complete grants, and no township funds.

TRAINING - We currently have two paramedics,three EMT Specialists, eight EMT's and nine Medical First Responders.  The department also has 22 members trained in hazmat to the operational level.  In the next month we have five members taking their Firefighter 1 class. and hope to schedule and Incident Command Class in the spring for all personnel.  Members of the rescue have recently been certified in the use of the Automated External Defibrillator, which was recently put into service.  Beside the Firefighter 1, Hazmat Training and the monthly fire training, there are scheduled continuing education seminars to keep all rescue personnel with up-to-date licenses.

MUTUAL AID- The department is fortunate to be situated where it is.  We have the option of four different departments for mutual aid.  Depending on where assistance is needed in the township, we can call departments that are just a short distance away.  in the last year we have benefited from the assistance of these other departments.  Be it Liberty, Moscow, Addison, or North Adams, there are additional resources nearby when needed.  Because we are a member of the Hillsdale County Firefighters Association we have a mutual aid agreement with these departments within Hillsdale County.  This does not mean that we cannot provide mutual aid to the ones outside Hillsdale County, as we have returned the assistance to them in the past.   Besides the mutual aid for fire protection, the department has an agreement with Reading Emergency Unit for ambulance service.  Our personnel are now trained and have been providing ambulance services within the township.  This is all in cooperation with the Reading Emergency Unit.  This guarantees a quicker response for you and your family when you need an ambulance.  We use the ambulance stationed in the Somerset Fire Department.

QUALITY ASSURANCE-  The department started a Quality Assurance Survey last year in order to identify areas for improvement.  From this survey, we have received an overall approval rating of 9.375 out of a possible 10 total points. We are very proud of this accomplishment.  It is great to know that the citizens of this township support us and feel so strong about the service we provide them.  We feel that this support is because of what we have to offer.  We have more services to offer than most departments around.  Our average response time has been 7.9 minutes in the past two years.  This is from volunteers and we cover 36 square miles.  Our times are better then some of those in the large cities who have full time personnel.  We will continue to strive for the best possible protection and care for you.

COMMUNITY EVENTS-  Besides the fire and rescue work the members provide to the township, we have been busy with community events.  Our greatest enjoyment are the programs we co-sponsor for children.  Which include and Easter Egg Hunt,Halloween Open House,Swimming Lessons,Hunter and Boaters Safety Classes.  In November of each year we sponsor our annual Feather Party, and at Christmas the department contributes to the "Adopt A Family" Program.  The department also sponsors C>P>R> and Medical First Responder Classes.  Our "brightest" C0-Sponsored event if the 4th of July Fireworks Display.

In closing, I want to first thank all the members for their dedication, then thank you for your support and cards of appreciation.  This means so much to the members, whose dedication has allowed us to achieve our current status.  Even with a roster of 24 members, we are always looking for more members.  The work is hard, but the rewards and friendship are worth it.  Anyone interested should contact the township offices for an application.