The Fire and Police did an awesome job this afternoon managing a stucture fire, fire alarm and multiple (I think around 6) seperate ambulance calls all at the same time today.

If you happened to call for the fire or ambulance today and wondered why Naperville, Lombard, Wheaton or Glendale Heights showed up, now you know why.

A couple of weeks ago the GEPD and GEFD responded to a fall suffered by my elderly neighbor quickly and with kindness - they're both remarkable groups.

I'd like to take a moment to remind people to make their tax-deductible contribution to the GEFD when the time comes - it's such a small amount for what we get.

I posted in the Hijack thread as well with a photo. They did a fantastic job getting quickly to a fire on Western Saturday. A neighbor saw the fire and said it was above the house 6-8 feet and burning quickly. They got there so fast and put it out, I would say 90% of the house was saved. Great job and was very impressed with their work. The boy even came down with his plastic GEFD helmet on and watched as they worked like a well oiled machine.

Did you know the GEFD runs on donations only? You do not pay for fire services in your taxes. So few people actually donate that one of these days they are going to become tax supported and everyone will see a very large increase in their taxes.

Right now the village pays for the stations and upkeep on the vehicles.

All they ask for is $105.00 per household or $150.00 per business. This is less than 1/4 of what you will pay in taxes.

You can even pay via paypal! Click here to donate to the GEFD

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Originally posted by perplexed:
Did you know the GEFD runs on donations only? You do not pay for fire services in your taxes.

quote:

Originally posted by perplexed:
Right now the village pays for the stations and upkeep on the vehicles.

Aren't these two statements contradictory? If the village pays for the stations and upkeep, aren't we paying for a portion of the cost of fire services in our taxes?

Okay, yes the Village (and you through your taxes) pays a small amount indirectly.

This does not cover everything from turnout gear/air packs to pens.

Instead of worrying about the small amount the Village does pay, how about making your donation.

I'm always embarrassed at how few of my neighbors make their tax deductible contribution. I wonder how many people on this board pay up?

Crap. I have never deducted that.

How do you know your neighbors don't give $$$ to the FD?

I believe the village funds the skeleton crew that works on a daily basis while everyone is at work. Ain't that kind of right?

quote:

Instead of worrying about the small amount the Village does pay, how about making your donation.

Perplexed, I think we need to work on your fund raising skills.

At least he didn't say "Or else" anywhere in that post.

The crew is paid from donations, not from the Village. I should say it was last time I checked.

Let the GEFD use nice fund raising skills. I'm just stating a fact that few people donate. They will also be the first people in line yelling when there taxes skyrocket up.

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Originally posted by perplexed:
Instead of worrying about the small amount the Village does pay, how about making your donation.

Who says I don't make a donation every year? Interesting approach to encouraging us all to donate...

came up at a condo meeting - out of 70 people there that evening (it was an annual meeting), about 40 claimed to have never seen the request, and about 15 said they saw but don't contribute. I remember because I truly was shocke at the numbers. Later, our board made a contribution to the FD, but it certainly wasn't the amount that would have come if each unit had contributed.

But, yeah, I not only read but noticed the tax deduction!

I thought there was a recent newsletter that showed a very low contribution rate. And, in a way - if the FD does do some really cool fund raising, someone will fault them for spending money on the fund raising. Hey, maybe there's a pro on the BB who would volunteer expertise, printing and postage, etc etc to the FD?

I think our good friend perplexed will find my name on the donor rolls annually. That said, I have always been confused by the timing of their fund raising efforts. Smack dab in the middle of the holidays (sort of). I wonder how many more would donate if the campaign moved to the summer months?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Clamato,

My landlord donates every year, though I think he bases the amount on a comparison to upkeep costs for a given year.

Darl, that's a great suggestion....I wonder if anyone has solicited Victor Envelope (in Elk Grove). I used to know the owner and his son on a professional level (I worked for a printing press manufacturer and they owned some of our machines) and I was sincerely schocked to find them as a regular, annual sponsor for the Golden Eagles. They must have SOME ties to GE or something.