Unimin Specialty Minerals makes donation to Tamms Fire Department

Tamms’ Fire Chief Jesse Kerr and Lt. Jeffrey Dinsmore were reccently presented with a $500 donation from Unimin Specialty Minerals Inc.

"It is because of our local supporters and caring residents that we are able to keep our heads just above water,” Kerr said.

“With the population level decreasing every year due to low industry and rising taxes, our fire tax funding is only enough to pay for our insurance on apparatuses and station, workers compensation program, and basic maintenance to equipment."

The department covers 98 square miles of zone that includes the Village of Tamms, the Township of Sandusky and the Township of Elco in rural Southern Illinois.

The department's primary source of income for training and certification of personnel, as well as for upgrades to equipment, is from local businesses like Unimin, along with local fundraisers.

"Unimin has been a great supporter of Tamms Fire/Rescue,” Dinsmore said.

“They are the largest factories in our zone both here in Tamms and Elco and I look forward to further strengthening our relationship with them.”

“As citizens of the communities in which we live, work and raise families, we’re honored to help support the Tamms Volunteer Fire Department,” said Dasha Fehrenbacher, Unimin’s health and safety coordinator.

“These men and women provide a vital service, and as good neighbors, we’re glad to support them.”

Safety meetings and trainings have been scheduled so Unimin staff and Tamms’ engine crews can get more familiar with each other and foster an already great partnership.