The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
As a 3rd generation Oquawka Volunteer Firefighter with over fifty years of community service, I'm writing this to inform you, the citizens of the newly formed Oquawka Fire Protection District.
The Village of Oquawka, rural Townships of Oquawka, Rozetta, and Bald Bluff overwhelmingly voted for the new Oquawka Fire Protection District. It is our (the firefighters) understanding per the village attorney and village board that the citizens of the Village of Oquawka have to make a choice whether or not to dissolve the Village of Oquawka Volunteer Fire Department.
By voting Yes, it would allow the Village of Oquawka to sell the entire fire department to the Oquawka Fire Protection District and transfer the present fire department to the Oquawka Fire District with no interruption in services.
The village and the fire district are separate government entities. Everyone will benefit. The fire district will manage, improve and update fire service to the entire fire district area. As stated above that area includes Oquawka, rural Oquawka, and Bald Bluff and Rozetta Townships. The district will be eligible for state and federal grants, including grants that assist in updating training. We need you, our citizens, to be 1st Responders and vote Yes on April 2nd. The future of the fire service hangs in the balance. "Team Firefighters" has worked hard to organize a new Oquawka Fire Protection District.
The Village of Oquawka chartered in 1836. Then on June 1, 1890, a volunteer fire department was formed. A lot of firefighters, auxiliary and great citizens have supported our fire department. We appreciate everyone, past and present, so much.
In 1949, Oquawka received a new 1949 Chevy pumper truck. A fish and chicken dinner was held at Phillip n Arlah Jern's Cafe by the Rock Island Firefighter Corporation celebrating the new fire truck.
That night, a vote was taken to raise money for the fire department assisting in the fire protection for the community and surrounding areas.
Consequently, fishfrys, carnivals, circus, raffles, dances, bingo, cake walks, auctions, pork chop and ribeye dinners were held by the auxiliary.
With today's costs fundraising alone cannot support an adequate fire department.
Please vote yes on election day on April 2 to dissolve the volunteer fire department and transfer to the fire district.
I appreciate you so much for your great support and taking the time to read my article and tell everybody.
Hal Jern,
Retired Fire Chief
Oquawka Volunteer Fire Dept.
Phone: 309-507-1140 (cell)
"Volunteer in your community. It makes a big difference."