Greetings:
In 2015, the firefighters of the Granville Volunteer Fire Department initiated a 10-year water supply plan for the Town of Granville. The goals of this plan were to provide a year-round accessible water supply for fire suppression efforts, and improve the fire protection classification in Granville. To reach this goal, it is necessary to install fire hydrants at strategic locations within the developed areas of town. The result for the property owner will be, in many instances, reduced home owners’ insurance costs. In some cases, we have found a new hydrant within 1,000 feet of your home can reduce insurance premiums by as much as $500 per year.
Our 10-year plan has outlined eighteen potential locations for fire hydrants, and prioritized them based on the positive impact they would have. To date we have completed two installations for a total cost of $4,100. Seventy-five percent of this money was raised in grants and donations. For the 2017 calendar year, we anticipate completing hydrants near the intersection of Post Office Hill Road and Route 100, and on Route 12A in East Granville.
To make these projects happen, the firefighters of the GVFD depend on your help to purchase the materials necessary. Money raised through efforts such as this letter are also used in conjunction with grant money wherever possible. It is important to understand grant money is extremely limited and is not available for every project.
The 10-year plan also entails replacement of the GVFD tanker. This vehicle carries water from water source to emergency scene at times when there is no other way to transport water. This type of vehicle is crucial to rural fire suppression efforts within the mutual-aid system we are part of. Our goal is to raise enough money through fundraising efforts and grants to replace the current 1983 Tanker without creating any additional tax burden. All donations are tax deductible.
We encourage the participation of those we protect in the operations of the department. Those who are interested in aiding in fundraising or grant writing may join the Fire Department Auxiliary. You may also wish to become involved in emergency response, which includes Fire, HAZ-MAT, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services. Those who join the department in this capacity can expect to be part of a coordinated emergency response to about 120 emergency calls annually throughout our primary service area spanning across Granville, Hancock, and Rochester.
We thank you in advance for your continued support in improving the fire service in your community. Any questions regarding fundraising or joining the department may be directed to myself at (802) 349-5774. You may also email me at d.sargeant@granvillefiredepartment.com. We are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Stay safe,
Dan Sargeant, Fire Chief