Tippecanoe Township Trustee Chris Francis, right, conducts the oath of office for new Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory board member Michael Wyrick, who joined as an at-large member. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster resident Michael Wyrick was sworn in as the at-large member of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory board during its Tuesday, March 14, meeting. Wyrick replaced Jim Smith as the at-large member for 2023. With each alternating year, the township board and the North Webster Town Council choose the fifth member to serve on the fire territory board.

Following his acceptance to the five-member council, Fire Chief Jeremy Likens provided an update on repairs to Medic 78, one of the fire territory’s ambulances damaged during a service call earlier this year. Repairs to the damages are estimated at $6,389, which will be submitted to the insurance company.

While the unit is out of service, Turkey Creek Fire Territory has agreed to loan its third unit to TTFT to use as its second vehicle, which it has done in the past.

In new business, Likens reported the department responded to 49 EMS calls, 13 fire calls and three calls into Noble County per agreement during the month of February. He also noted the department will continue its work on relocating the town’s storm sirens and is researching the best places to place the devices.

Likens also requested and received approval to spend $3,500 for a “pump class” to instruct firefighters to properly use the pump apparatuses on the department’s fire trucks. The cost will possibly be split with Turkey Creek Fire Territory if members of that department elect to participate in the training. Likens also received approval of approximately $8,000 to fund various training exercises for members of the department.

Township Trustee Chris Francis informed the board he is exploring ordering new badges for department members. He is negotiating with a company to produce the badges, which currently are priced at $75 each. Once he settles on the exact number of badges needed, he is hoping to negotiate the price down to $60 for each piece. He will inform the board of his progress at its next meeting on April 18.