The main street of Protivin looks a little different now than it did two years ago. Where once there was a vacant lot now stands a new fire station – a physical representation of what can be achieved with donations of generous supporters, hard work and community pride.
The new station took three years to plan and a year to build; the station is now ready for visitors. The trucks and other equipment moved into the station in March. Finishing touches were completed and Protivin Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) was completely moved in by Czech Days last month.
PVFD volunteer firefighters and members of the Protivin Community Fire District extend an invitation to an open house event Sunday, Oct. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. – kicking off National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14. Visitors can tour the new station, check out trucks and see the equipment that’s ready at a moment’s notice to respond to emergency calls. All are welcome to this event and to enjoy light refreshments.
It takes a community
The firefighters are grateful to the individuals, businesses and others who provided financial support in kind donations of labor, supplies and hard work to make the new station a reality.
The new fire station project cost $800,000, which included needed interior items such as gear lockers, hose racks and completing the kitchen/meeting room. Initial funding came from the four government entities that make up the Protivin Community Fire District. Each contributed $80,000 for a total of $320,000 in taxpayer funds to start the project. The remaining $680,000 came from donations and grants. PVFD donated $80,000 from previous fundraising efforts; members then reached out for the remaining funds needed.
Local citizens and businesses provided fantastic support and came together, donating $170,000 to help build and outfit the new fire stations. In addition, $130,000 was received in grants written for by PVFD members and awarded from banks, the Community Foundation Grants and other local and regional institutions.
The fire district also applied for a then-new federal program through Congresswomen Ashley Hinson. Hinson picked the fire station as one of her first congressional funding projects and secured a $100,000
grant from USDA Rural Development for the station as part of the federal FY2022 budget. Due to local generosity and outside funding sources, the remaining financial need was secured to complete the station.
Members of the fire department also donated hundreds of hours in addition to their normal trainings and service to help make the fire station a reality. Members of PVFD helped design and construct the station, wrote grants for funding, ensured all state and federal paperwork was completed, moved years of collected equipment from one station to the other and assisted in many other ways to cut costs and help get the station constructed quickly.
Future event
PVFD is hosting another event this fall for those unable to attend the open house Oct. 8. All are welcome to the annual Turtle Stew, Chili and Chicken Noodle Soup Supper which will be held at the new station Saturday, Nov. 4. Serving starts at 4:30 p.m. and will run until 7 p.m. or until food is gone – which ever happens first.
The new Protivin Fire Station and two firetrucks beneath the U.S. flag on Sept. 11, 2023. (submitted photo)
Events
Open house
Sunday, Oct. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. – kicking off National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14. Visitors can tour the new station, check out trucks and see the equipment that’s ready at a moment’s notice to respond to emergency calls. All are welcome to this event and to enjoy light refreshments.
Annual Turtle Stew, Chili and Chicken Noodle Soup Supper
Saturday, Nov. 4. Serving starts at 4:30 p.m. and will run until 7 p.m. or until food is gone – which ever happens first.
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