As an electric cooperative, Henry County REMC operates under the guiding principles that define cooperatives worldwide. These seven principles are Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Members’ Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training and Information, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community. One way Henry County REMC exemplifies Concern for Community is through the Operation Round Up (ORU) program. This initiative allows members to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, with the extra cents contributing to a fund dedicated to local charitable efforts. The ORU board meets quarterly to review applications and award grants to non-profit organizations. It’s incredible how this small act of generosity from many members combines to create a profound impact on the community.
One such impact can be seen in the Straughn Volunteer Fire Department, a recent recipient of a $5,000 ORU grant. The funds were awarded to help purchase a gear-washer, also known as a turnout gear extractor. This specialized washing machine removes harmful smoke, soot, and carcinogenic chemicals from firefighters’ protective gear. The equipment not only extends the life of their gear but also plays a critical role in safeguarding firefighters’ health.
Kyle McCoy, treasurer and volunteer firefighter for the Straughn Volunteer Fire Department, expressed the team’s gratitude for the grant. “The gear-washer is going to make a big difference,” McCoy said. “It ensures our equipment is properly cleaned and keeps our firefighters safer when they’re out on calls.”
President and volunteer firefighter Aaron Eckart echoed McCoy’s sentiment, adding, “On the interstate, if you get diesel on your gear, you’ve got to get that out of there.”
The men noted that maintaining up-to-date equipment is a constant challenge for the department. “We’ve been fortunate to receive grant funding from the State of Indiana for things like new turnout gear, boots, and air packs. But for a volunteer department like ours, it’s tough to stay on top of everything with a limited budget,” McCoy explained.
The Straughn Volunteer Fire Department is comprised of 16 firefighters, including several EMT’s and several hazmat-level trained firefighters. While some months are slow for the department, other months have the volunteers out on calls frequently.
“We run a lot of I-70,” McCoy described. “We provide mutual aid with Lewisville and New Lisbon. A couple of us work nights, many of us work days — we all cover shifts depending on our regular jobs.”
Fundraising plays a vital role in the department’s operations. “We have fish fries throughout the year, go and do the brickyard sometimes, and we have several boot drives and even golf outings,” McCoy shared. “We really try to keep a fundraiser going every couple of months.”
The ORU grant alleviates some financial pressure and allows the firefighters to focus on serving the community they love.
“Straughn is a community that comes together,” McCoy said. “Everything we get, we have to work for, whether it’s fundraising or applying for grants. That’s what makes our fire department come together, too.”
To contribute to the Straughn Volunteer Fire Department, call 765-332-2024 or find them on Facebook at Straughn Fire/Rescue
To learn more about Operation Round Up, visit hcremc.com/community/operation-round-up.
