Wanda English Burnett, Editor

A $350,000 grant has propelled the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department that much closer to their goal of building a new fire station.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman awarded the grant recently with Tracy Moore, chief, and Ben Sieverding, assistant chief, on hand to receive it. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the grants, which are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Versailles was one of 33 communities that received grants totaling more than $14 million.

“Governor Daniels and I are pleased to award Community Focus Funds to support long-term development in our rural communities,” noted Lt. Governor Skillman. “By committing resources to our smaller cities and towns, we are contributing to the overall sustainability and enhancement of our state.”

Building the new fire station will “help improve services we provide to our community,” noted Sieverding. He said the larger fire station will provide adequate space for their existing equipment leaving room to grow. It is anticipated to have eight bays, a kitchen, meeting/training room and offices, along with space for storage and sleeping quarters. An important aspect will be shower facilities. This is important for firefighters after they’ve been to a scene for decontamination purposes.

The new facility will be more than twice as big as the present one and will be situated on three plus acres in the Versailles Industrial Park on South US 421.

Anticipated completion for the $850,000 project is next summer according to Sieverding. He noted that their fire company is the busiest in the county, having 442 calls last year and 219 so far this year. He is also the coordinator for the Region 9 training working closely with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Drawings of the new fire station will be available for review at the firemen’s annual Pumpkin Show fundraiser at the current fire house, according to Sieverding. Also, anyone wanting to make a tax deductible donation may do so at any Integra Bank location, Milan, Osgood or Versailles.

Sieverding noted they were thankful for the grants they have received, that also included one from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation in the amount of $50,000.

The Community Focus Fund grants are awarded twice a year through a competitive application process. Some eligible projects have included community and senior centers, special needs facilities, libraries, water system improvements, storm drainage projects, and sewer system improvements.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Pictured from left: Representative Cleo Duncan, Mary McCarty, grant administrator, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Ben Sieverding, assistant fire chief, Tracy Moore, chief, and Representative Bob Bischoff, making the presentation of a $350,000 Community Focus Fund grant to the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department for their new fire station.