Decatur Township Quarterly Newsletter

2023-Q4-ISSUE 4

Office of the Trustee

Jason Holliday

I did an internet search for quotes that have been made about change. There were hundreds of results coming from celebrities, governmental leaders, businesses leaders, religious leaders, as well as philosophers. One of the more truer of those quotes is that “change is inevitable”. Sometimes those changes are made by choice and sometimes because of necessity. Even governmental organizations have to make changes. Those changes often come because of less funding, increased expenses (or both) and/or less volunteer help. Sometimes, as a result, traditions also change. Implementation of those changes isn’t something taken lightly but instead involves a lot of contemplation.


Decatur Township Government has made several changes in the past few years. Regarding the fire department, we’ve updated personal protection equipment for the staff and replaced high mileage vehicles. We’ve added services provided by the Township Assistance Program to include aiding applicants for Energy Assistance as well as the Winter Assistance Programs. We are also affiliated with the Indiana Department of Insurance to assist applicants with the S.H.I.P. - State Health Insurance Program. Please see the flyer in this newsletter about the S.H.I.P. – if we can assist you with applying, please contact our office.

Decatur Township Board

District 1

Lucinda Taylor Freund

Email

District 2

Josh Masquelier

Email

District 3

Neil Mack

Email

District 4

Greg Hibler

Email

District 5

Dave Knight

Email
Click here for printable Medicare flyer.

Employee Spotlight

Chuck Valentine

After more than four decades of service to the Township Chuck Valentine retired on November 1st. Chuck began as a volunteer and then became a career firefighter. Chuck retired as the Township’s Assistant Chief. Please join me in wishing Chuck the best of luck in the next chapters of his life as well expressing our appreciation for his service to the Township! 

Toby Lewis

After 33 years of service to the Township, Toby retired at the end of October. Toby served more than eight years as a volunteer prior to becoming a career firefighter. Toby worked as an Engineer. Please join me in wishing Toby the best of luck with the next endeavors of his life as well as saying thank you for his service to the Township!

ENGINE 71

DTFD takes delivery of

two new fire engines.


On November 30, 2023, Decatur Township Fire Department marked in-service two new E-ONE Typhoon fire engines at Station 71 and Station 73.


A Push-In Ceremony took place, which takes place when DTFD purchases and puts in-service a new piece of fire apparatus. The tradition dates back to the 1800's when horse-drawn equipment was detached from the horses and pushed back into the bay.


Thank you to the DTFD apparatus committee members for taking the time to be part of the design process which ensured that these engines met the needs of our firefighters. 

ENGINE 73

‘Tis the season for consumers to celebrate with Christmas traditions, from baking cookies and stringing lights to decorating their Christmas trees, both live and artificial. In the midst of these holiday traditions, it is essential that consumers also take a moment to consider and practice Christmas tree safety.


There are five easy ways to practice Christmas tree safety for both artificial and live trees this year:



  1. Always place your tree a minimum of 3 feet from heat sources, including lamps, heating vents, radiators, fireplaces, and candles.
  2. Never use lit candles to decorate your tree, artificial or live. Do not place lit candles underneath or near your Christmas tree, and never leave burning candles unattended.
  3. Before stringing lights on your tree, check your lights for cracked or missing bulbs and frayed wires. If lights show signs of damage, dispose of the light strand. When replacing damaged lights, be sure to check for UL-certified lights, which are evaluated for consumer safety.
  4. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
  5. For live trees, be sure to water your tree regularly, keeping the water level well above the trunk base within the Christmas tree stand.


No matter what type of tree consumers celebrate with, it only takes a moment to practice these five easy tree safety habits to have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Food Pantry Resources

Community Caring and Sharing

2830 S. Holt Rd.

Indianapolis, IN 46241

317-243-8023

Friday: 11:30a – 1:00p


Goodwin Community Center – Goodwin Food Pantry

3935 W. Mooresville Rd.

Indianapolis, IN 46221

317-247-5201

Monday: 12:00p – 2:00p

4:00p - 6:00p

www.goodwincenter.org/#about


Cynthia H. Hubert Community Cupboard (Gleaners)

3737 Waldemere Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46221

317-295-0191

www.gleaners.org

Tuesday: 9:00a – 4:00p

Wednesday: 9:00a – 4:00p

Thursday: 2p – 7p

Saturday: 9a – 12p


River of Life Food pantry

6001 Kentucky Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46221

317-856-4733

www.rolc.cc

1st Monday: 4:00p - 5:30p


Marwood Baptist Church

3940 Mann Road

Indianapolis, IN 46221

317-856-5853

2nd Saturday of the month: 11:00a - 1:00p

Decatur Township Government Center Contact Information

www.decaturfire.org

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