Paid On Call Firefighters Sworn in for Effingham Department

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Published on December 16 2015 10:40 am
Last Updated on December 16 2015 10:40 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(FIVE PEOPLE WERE SWORN IN AS PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS FOR THE CITY OF EFFINGHAM. FROM LEFT: BRADEN PUCKETT, KARLY EARLEYWINE, CHRIS DURBIN, ALEX JEFFRIES AND TURNER KRONEWITTER)

The number of available paid-on-call firefighters for Effingham is growing.

Five young people were sworn in Tuesday night by Effingham Fire Chief Joe Holomy to join the ranks. They are Braden Puckett, Chris Durbin, Karly Earleywine, Alex Jeffries and Turner Kronewitter.

Holomy said the five will be spending time reviewing the guidelines governing the duties of a firefighter and also learning the equipment used in fire service. They'll be quizzed as to what goes where on a fire engine and their proper operation. Once they are tested in those areas, the five will attend academy training. Upon academy completion, the five can begin regular service.

Paid-on-call firefighters are just that; they serve as needed to supplement the city's full-time firefighting force.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the start of Tuesday night's City Council meeting. In regular business, the Council briefly discussed the fees the City charges for providing fire service outside the city limits, with an adjustment in those fees expected soon. The Council was also updated on electric aggregation rates designed to make for more affordable electric costs. No action was taken on those items.

Council members did vote to allow a special-use permit for mini-warehouses at 600 West Wabash; to contract for electronic payment of utility bills; to award a bid to Kinney Contractors for manhole additions on Wabash Avenue and to award a separate bid to Kinney to install the manholes.

The Council learned that retiring custodian Chuck Wiedman will be recognized with a reception on Friday at City Hall. Wiedman has taken care of the building since it opened some 20 years ago. The City plans to contract for cleaning services from this point.

Council members also heard from City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele that the number of visitors to Wonderland in Lights at Community Park are well up from last year. $7,200 in donations has been collected, $1,000 more than at this point a year ago, and 3,800 vehicles have been through the display, 500 more than at this point last year. Thoele said more than 500 vehicles have been through the display each of the past three Saturdays.

Thoele also reminded that Thursday at midnight is the deadline to vote for your favorite Christmas light displays around town in the "Holiday Lights and Festive Sights" competition. You can vote on the Visit Effingham Facebook page or by dropping by the Effingham Visitors Center. Two of those who vote will receive a $100 gift card to their choice of a local business.