Hessel's Islander Bar Fundraiser To Benefit Township Fire Department

The Islander Bar in Hessel will host a fundraiser to raise money for fire department equipment Friday, September 29, at 7 p.m.

Guest bartenders will serve, and all tips will be donated toward the purchase of updated equipment for the Clark Township Volunteer Fire Department. Donations other than tips will also be accepted and used toward equipment purchases.

The Cedarville band, Oddfellow, featuring Jason and Seth Haske, Phil Kasper, and Odin Osogwin, will play that evening at 9:30 p.m.

The Islander fundraiser is responding to equipment needs identified by Clark Township firefighters earlier this year. Firefighters assessed their equipment, and found several items that need replacement in the near

future, and others that are now needed to make volunteers more efficient at fighting fires, volunteers said.

Some of these items include a roof vent saw with cutters edge, six pike poles, two dock carts for island fires, irons sets, rubber fire hose, Streamlight light boxes, a chain saw, six safety vests, and 20 sets of turnout gear at about $2,000 each set.

The estimated cost of the equipment exceeds the operational funds Clark Township budgets for the fire department. Some of the items exceed $1,000, like the roof vent saw at an estimated $2,000, the generator at $2,000, and the fire hose at $2,250.

The Fire Department also has a wish list of future major purchases, including a new fire rescue truck, and a portable pump.