The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
On Tuesday, April 4th, the tax payers of the Village of Oquawka and the townships of Oquawka, Rozetta, and Bald Bluff areas will have the option of forming the new Oquawka Fire Protection District.
Presently the Village of Oquawka owns 100% of the fire department which was formed in 1890.
In 1964, the Oquawka Village Board gave permission to form a rural fire association allowing the village fire department to respond to fire calls outside the limits of Oquawka.
Members pay an association feee of $50 a year.
A new Oquawka Fire Protection District would cover the entire areas. This is backed by the Village Board of Oquawka and the Volunteer Fire Department located at the corner of 45h and Warren Street.
The fire department, since 1967, has a fleet of 3 engines, 1 tanker, 1 brush truck, and 1 support command unit.
Area fire departments have formed fire districts years ago and are doing excellent, such as Gulfport-Gladstone, Raritan Henderson County and central Warren County, which is Kirkwood and Cameron.
By becoming a fire protection district you can apply for federal and state fire department (district) grants that takes the burden off the tax payers.
We should apply for everything we can get!
There will be 2 meetings for public information of the new proposed Oquawka Fire Protection District, Thursday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rozetta Baptist Church and Saturday, April 1st, at 1:00 p.m. at the Oquawka Fire Department.
As a taxpayer and landowner I ask you to vote YES on the new Oquawka Fire Protection District.
This will maintain our fire fleet, equipment, protective clothing, communication, station maintenance, replacement costs, and insurance provided by our new fire district.
The citizens and visitors and surrounding communities will benefit and have the fire protection safety they need. It's a matter of public safety.
I appreciate your taking the time and consideration of reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Hal Jern
Former Oquawka Fire Chief