Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana

Local News

July 31, 2012

New members sought for MVFD

Diane Raver The Herald-Tribune

-- — Chief John Arcaro is hoping community members will step forward to join the Metamora Volunteer Fire Department and/or support its fundraisers.

Even though the organization receives about $14,000 a year from Metamora and Salt Creek township trustees, that money goes toward insurance, which is $10,000 a year, and miscellaneous bills, including cell phones, utilities and fuel, which amount to about $1,000 a month.

“We do a membership drive, which is picking up,” he reveals. “Three years ago, we received $3,000 from that, and now we’re getting about $8,000 a year.

“We’re also doing a lot more things in the community.”

Fundraisers include booths at the department’s Fourth of July fest and Canal Days and a chili dinner at the Christmas walk.

There is also a car show Aug. 4 (please see box).

Eleven volunteer firefighters currently serve on the MVFD. “I would love to get nine more, so we have around 20 .... because with people working, it’s hard to have enough on call during the day,” the chief points out. 

“It would be nice to have some extra hands to help when we do the fundraisers. You don’t have to join to help, and you can also be a nonactive member in the department.

“A nonactive member is working on his own organizing the car show because he wants to help raise money.”

Arcaro reports, “We bought a newer engine a few years ago, and we’re doing well with the equipment .... (and) we keep applying for grants” for other needs.

Anyone interested in joining the department or helping with fundraisers can contact Arcaro at 765-265-3040.

Diane Raver can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 114; or diane.raver@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.

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