The Tinley Park Fire Department recently placed an order for a brand-new aerial truck, as noted in our previous post. For those interested in the details behind this acquisition, the TribLocal has an insightful article exploring how the funds for this vehicle were gathered.
According to the article, regular contributions from Tinley Park residents continue to play a vital role in supporting the fire department, even over a century since the town's initial fundraising efforts for its firefighters. The Village Board recently approved the purchase of a ladder truck at a cost of $850,000. However, thanks to the dedication of the Tinley Park Fire Department Association, only half of this amount—$425,000—will need to come from taxpayer funds. The association will cover the remaining sum through proceeds from their annual dinner dance and other fundraising initiatives, a tradition that dates back to 1902.
"Thanks to these efforts, we've been able to minimize costs for local taxpayers, and we're incredibly grateful for everyone's contributions," remarked Brian Maher, the trustee chairing the Public Safety Committee.
Initially established as a volunteer operation, the department has evolved significantly since its founding in 1901. However, the unwavering support from the community has remained constant. Mike Hughes, a firefighter and the current association president, highlighted this continuity by recalling the department's early days when fundraising was essential for acquiring necessary equipment.
The first Annual Firefighters Dance took place in 1902, raising $15.15 for the department. Over a century later, this event continues to be held annually in January and remains one of the association's most significant fundraisers. "We're truly fortunate," Hughes stated. "This town has immense pride, and the community's support for us is remarkable."
The association frequently contributes toward the purchase of essential equipment such as ladder trucks and fire engines. Their most recent major acquisition was in 2007 when they invested $401,000 in a fire engine. Due to the high cost of such items, the village typically shares the financial burden of larger purchases. Without the association's fundraising efforts, Maher noted, the village would have no choice but to rely solely on taxpayer dollars.
For those keen on reading the full story, you can find the complete article HERE. A special thank-you goes out to Dennis for bringing this to our attention!
In conclusion, it’s inspiring to see how a small-town tradition like the Annual Firefighters Dance has persisted for over a hundred years, ensuring that the Tinley Park Fire Department remains well-equipped while keeping costs manageable for residents. This collaboration between the community and the fire department serves as a testament to the strong bonds between Tinley Park's citizens and their emergency services.
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