In 2023, Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) is celebrating Hometown Communities.

BRCF recognizes that a great deal of the safety of these hometown communities is dependent on the volunteers of their local fire departments. These departments are comprised of community members that donate their time to ensure the residents of their communities are safe. These individuals sacrifice time away from their own families and often perform this voluntary job in addition to their full time jobs.

Pictured: Kyle Pruitt – Waldron VFD, Jay Tennell – Marietta VFD, Dan Pennington – St. Paul VFD, Jeff Crisman – Flat Rock VFD, Jennifer Jones, BRCF, Danny Kuhn – Manilla VFD, Dean Tyner – Fountaintown VFD, Steve Davis – Morristown VFD. Not pictured: representatives of Fairland VFD and Moran VFD.

City of Shelbyville Fire Chief Brian Tackett shared the following about his friends at the Shelby County volunteer fire departments:

“The Shelbyville Fire Department is unique in the fact that it is completely surrounded by volunteer fire departments. We respond to approximately 2,000 calls per year with volunteers. These departments also provide backup to our department on larger scenes and in some cases will back fill our stations. The volunteer departments often struggle with up-to-date equipment since they are not typically funded. They will often host fundraisers just to purchase much needed equipment or to make repairs to items that are already outdated. “

This year the foundation is recognizing these departments’ service and dedication to their hometowns and the comfort they bring us all knowing that they are just a phone call away and quite literally just down the road when we are in need.

On April 11, BRCF executive director Jennifer Jones and Grants Director Jordan England presented each Shelby County volunteer fire department with a $5,000 grant to help support the work that they do in their communities.

If you’re interested in supporting your local fire department by starting a designated fund that will pay out to their department annually, in perpetuity, please contact our office to find out more information on this wonderful way to invest in your hometown!