RUSH FIRE DISTRICT – NEWSLETTER INFO JUNE & JULY
FIRE DISTRICT:
YOUR TAX RATE: It is time for us to start to prepare a 2016 budget. It is our goal to keep the rate the same as last year. At this time you pay $1.12 per thousand. Our costs continue to go up and we try to save money any place we can. We have two major reserve funds, one for building and grounds and the other for apparatus and major equipment such as the radio system replacement and new vehicles.
EQUIPMENT STORAGE: Our present storage situation needs help. We would like to put the ATV, Boat trailer, wood trailer, water rescue equipment, extra generators, pumps and extra hose in one place. The 4WD brush/utility truck could also be parked there. We have a committee of firefighter and commissioners looking into how we can address this problem. We could add a 30 x 40 addition on the south east side of station one or a completely separate building 30 x 40 at the rear of station one next to the extrication area. Option one would be a lot easier for the electric, water and heat. It would be a block/ metal structure like the addition to station one in 1998. This type construction is energy efficient and cost effective. Our present station one is 6,500 square feet. This would add 1,200 square feet.
FIRE DEPARTMENT & AMBULANCE:
NEW MEMBERS: Kathryn Vancuran from our explorer post is becoming a firefighter and Eric McNeil, son of Asst. Chief Jim McNeil has joined the department.
RECRUIT NY OPEN HOUSE: It was held April 26 from 1 to 4 pm. The Ladies Auxiliary provided char-broiled hots, chips and drinks. The turn out was disappointing but those few who showed up enjoyed the power-point show and equipment displays. The explorers provided a mock building fire that the kids could spray water at. Many departments around NYS report no one showing up at their open house.
ANNUAL FUND DRIVE: All resident should have received a fund drive request for Ambulance and Fire Department operations. We still operate the only free BLS ambulance service in the county. A special “thank you” to all of the residents that contributed to our annual fund drive. We realize that the economy is having an adverse effect on many. Your firefighters appreciate the Rush community financial support that is unmatched per mailing anywhere in western New York!
WHERES THE MONEY GO? No fund drive money is used for any social events. It goes for training, fire prevention activities, scouting programs, new equipment and vehicle replacements such as a new Rescue Truck in 2010, a new Ambulance in 2012 and a new Kubota 4×4 with trailer that cost $15,000 in 2013. Tracks for the ATV $7,000 in 2014, $7,000 to the Fire District towards the LED Sign in 2014, New ropes and equipment for water rescue in 2014 $6,000, Double Deck boat trailer in 2015 for $7,000 These were all paid for with Fund Drive money.
DOG SHOW: Genesee Valley Kennel Club will be using our Carnival field and south area parking lots June 18 thru 20 during the day till around 6 pm. The RFD Ladies Auxiliary will be operating the food concession and providing meals during that period. Only charge is for parking @ 3.00 a vehicle.
CARNIVAL JULY 9, 10 and 11 Thursday night reduced prices on clams and beer. Legal Gambling every night. The Parade will be Friday night 7 pm sharp! A band will play on Saturday night. “FREE ADMISSION NO COVER” ONE PRICE RIDE SPERCIALS: Thursday night 6 to 10 pm & Saturday 1 to 5 pm. KIDDIE PARADE: Ladies Auxiliary Kiddie Parade (Western Theme) 6pm on Thursday night. TUG-O-WAR. HERO’S & PRINCESSES & CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE: is on Saturday. FIREWORKS: 10:15 pm Saturday night.
CANIVAL RAFFLE: Due to popular demand 50/50 raffle tickets are available now. THREE prizes of $1,000 each are possible if we sell out, drawing 11 pm Saturday night.
AGAIN THIS YEAR: Two Rush businesses are sponsoring the 50/50 raffle by paying for the ticket printing cost as a donation to the Fire Department and providing coupons for their products. A BIG “THANK YOU” to COLBY’S BBQ & ICE CREAM and MONTESANO’s PIZZA.
PARADES: The Fire Department, Ladies Auxiliary, Explorers, Band and Apparatus will be attending area parades. For a complete list go to RushFD.org and click on Parades.
RUSH SENIORS PICNIC: The Rush firefighters will provide the hots, hamburgs and rolls for the July & August picnics held in the FD pavilion for Rush senior citizens.
RUSH FIRE DEPARTMENT WEB SITE IS: www.Rushfd.org – Go there for news, photos, history, recruitment info, membership lists, officers, apparatus, classic photos, links to other related sites. We are also now on Facebook under Rush Volunteer Fire Department.