much more important, because you can
replace a building but not a life. If it
wouldn’t have been for the fire department’s ice rescue equipment, it would
have been very difficult to successfully
make that lake rescue last winter.”
Stewart’s memorable moments
were the previously mentioned
$950,000 grant that he wrote, allowing the firemen of LaGrange County
to be equipped with 800 MHz radios,
and the old McCray building fire in
Kendallville.
Stewart advises Topeka, “Don’t
be afraid to call to report a fire. What
might not seem to be a big deal could
turn into a big deal really quick.
I would rather get there and have
everything okay, than to get a call
later where something tragic has happened.” He also has a limited supply of
smoke detectors and a couple of NOAA
The Hometown Treasure · Jan. ‘12 · pg 19
weather radios for people in need.
The radios are electric or battery operated. For more information call the
station at 260-593-2883 and leave
your name, number and good times
to contact you.
Chad emphasized that it’s not
just the chief that makes a fire department, but the whole crew working together to make the department
successful. At special presentations
Chad likes to take other firefighters
or officers with him, because he feels
they deserve the recognition just as
much as he does. He also recognizes
the tremendous support of the community. Last fall, a community sponsored fund raising auction raised
$170,000 to finance a new tanker
truck. Chad said, “The community
needs to know that they are appreciated!