By Sheri Monk

The Fox Valley Fire Department goes out on approximately 12 calls annually. Some are highway accidents and some calls are fires. But their presence is critical to the ongoing safety and security of not only the town and farm properties in the area, but to the gas industry as well.
Murray Steinkey, a senior, long-time Fox Valley firefighter, is working toward a goal to help the entire department.
“I’m starting another fundraising campaign because we’re going to get some new turnout gear,” he said.
For the uninitiated, turnout gear is the protective fire suit – the only think keeping the dangerous heat and flames of a fire away from the firefighter.
“Last time we raised $7,500. Fire protection is a priority for everybody, so I don’t think they mind to give a little,” Steinkey said, adding he will be approaching local businesses and gas field companies.
“The suit is $1,400 and with your boots and everything, you’re looking at $2,000,” he said.
That’s a lot of coin for a volunteer fire fighting force with regular, full-time jobs. The Fox Valley Fire Department has about 12 active firefighters.
“Our (suits) are getting too old and they’re getting too outdated,” said Steinkey.
New safety features are regularly added to turnout gear and while city fire departments have strict regulations as to what members can and cannot wear, rural forces build their equipment up through fundraising and often, patchwork and recycling.
In addition to being outdated, the fire department simply can’t fit many of them properly.
“The sizing is all off. Most of them don’t fit any of us,” he said.
Additionally, Steinkey really wants each active firefighter to have his own suit, for both fitting and hygiene reasons.
Steinkey says it means a lot to the team to receive support from the community.
“We’re not getting paid, we just go out there and do it. The RM and town of Fox Valley invited us to their Christmas party for the first time this year and bought our supper. It was just appreciation, it was a good deal,” described Steinkey.
“One farmer, (Allan Ternes) we went out for a fire there just before the end of the year and he gave us $500, and he said just put it to whatever we need. He was so happy that everybody stops what they’re doing, quits their job and jumps in. He said we saved his yard,” said Steinkey.
Recently, Cypress Credit Union donated a 42-inch television and VCR for firefighters.
“This will allow us to train locally after work hours instead of going into the city during work hours,” said Steinkey. “It all helps us so much.”