Nevins trucks, firefighters may be back

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A Vigo County township that has been without local fire protection for a week may soon see the return of service. Nevins Township Volunteer Firefighters could be back with their fire trucks as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.

Nevins Township Trustee Carl Gregory met with volunteer firefighters and a number of others including Nevins Township advisory board members, Vigo County Commissioners, Sheriff Jon Marvel, and even a few state representatives. In a discussion lasting nearly two hours Monday morning, the two sides were able to come to a temporary agreement.

The sound of a jackhammer was audible at the township fire station in Fontanet Monday afternoon as remodeling work is done. But the no trespassing signs will be taken down soon.

Firefighters said two semi-trailers will be dropped off Monday night and loaded with materials from the remodeling, so the trucks will fit inside the station. Gregory has agreed to bring the fire trucks back and let the firefighters go back into operation, while the remodeling continues.

That could happen as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.

"From the fire department's perspective, their biggest concern is to be able to continue to do what they've always done, and that's to provide fire protection to that community," said Attorney Will Frankel, who represents the firefighters.

Township residents like Ina Compton were happy to hear the news.

"That'd be great if they would solve some of the problems they have between them," said Compton. "I don't know what their problems are but I guess they've been having problems for awhile."

Frankel hopes to have a signed contract between the township and the firefighters within a month.

Trustee Carl Gregory did not return phone calls from News 10.

News 10 did talk with a representative from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Gary Robison. Robison said the department has not turned in any data about emergencies to them. While that isn't illegal, it does disqualify them from receiving grants and other help. Firefighters said they are waiting on computer issues to correct the problem.