Full Notification

Turkey Lake added to Stroh fire response area

KPC News Service. Written by Mike Martruello

ANGOLA — Residents in the area of Turkey Lake in southwest Steuben County will begin receiving fire and medical response from the Stroh Fire Department starting Nov. 1 at 6 a.m., announced Gary LeTourneau, Steuben County 911 Communications director.
Approximately 500 properties within the boundaries of C.R. 300S, C.R. 1150E, C.R. 1000W and C.R. 475S will benefit from this agreement, LeTourneau said in a news release.

Steuben County Sheriff Tim Troyer said the change came about when it was brought to his attention by Stroh Church of Christ Pastor Mike Hamm that Steuben agencies were being dispatched to the area when the Stroh Fire Department, in LaGrange County, would have been closer, even though the church resides within Steuben County.
“Pastor Hamm advised me of incidents in that region where 911 calls — particularly cellular phones that go to what tower is available in either LaGrange or Steuben Counties — were dispatched to Steuben County based fire departments and the Stroh Fire Department which has had personnel nearby never receiving or hearing the call for service,” Troyer said. “Pastor Hamm is the real hero here for bringing this to the surface. Everyone working together on it so well made it come together quickly.”
For medical emergencies Salem and Hudson fire departments will be sent as is current policy, but Stroh will also be notified of the incident via LaGrange County Communications. Fire incidents will generate a response from Salem, Helmer and Hudson fire departments, with the addition of the Stroh Fire Department.
“This response is automatic and does not need to be requested by the caller,” LeTourneau, said. “When I was approached by Sheriff Troyer about looking into this, it made sense to provide this service to the area residents who are much closer to the Stroh Fire Department.”
After meeting with LaGrange County Communication Director Arron Knisley and working with Salem Fire Chief David Locke and Stroh Fire Chief Tyler Terry an automatic aid agreement was drafted and signed by all required entities, LeTourneau said. LaGrange County will dispatch and maintain records for Stroh.
Stroh will be able to communicate directly to Steuben County Communications and field personnel utilizing the state radio system.