Toledo Fire Protection District

Watch out for runners and walkers!

This Organization will be at Toledo Fire Protection District today June 22nd at approximately 1:15pm if you'd like to come up and support them by buying raffle tickets or by making a donation.

Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club is a nationwide nonprofit organization whose members are comprised of active and retired paid or volunteer firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs or those who work in direct support of the fire service. Fire & Iron MC is made up of individuals who not only love to ride, but also believe in helping others in need and giving back to their community. Throughout the year, each station of the club organizes their own benefit rides to support various charities, and the club takes great pride in its efforts to come together to support each other’s cause.

Station 64 is the local station in the Effingham area and will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this October. We sponsor two local rides each year to raise money for our community. Our first ride is the Willow Long Memorial Ride. The money we raise at this event is used for scholarships for fire & EMS students in memory of Willow Long. Our second ride is our Fill the Boot Ride which raises money to help underprivileged families at Christmas time. We work with local fire departments who select families from their community and take their children Christmas shopping. We also supply the family with a complete meal to prepare on Christmas. Each year, we also select a nursing home to take Christmas gifts to, sing Christmas carols, and visit with the residents. Any extra funds raised are used throughout the year to help local families who are in need, such as an unexpected death, a family member diagnosed with cancer or other illness, or someone who has fallen on hard times.

Fire & Iron MC is a 100% neutral club. We’re just a group of people who have a passion for motorcycles and giving back to our community. If you are interested in learning more about Station 64 or becoming a member reach out and we’ll be happy to help.

A perfect day for some fun in the foam! Rec at the Res kids got a nice cool down from engine 94 during water day. A huge thank you to Neoga Fire Protection District for letting us use your foam machine and a thank you to Chief Charles Pruemer, fireman Wyatt Huddlestun, and fireman Taylor Huddlestun for their help.

Help us CONGRATULATE Charles Pruemer on becoming Toledo Fire Protection District new Fire Chief. Also, let's wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁

Today, children participating at Rec at the Res were able to bike to businesses around town. During their bike day they were able to stop by and see the fire trucks up close, learn about the different tools and equipment firefighters use, and even get a few snacks while they were at it. It's a great opportunity for them to understand the importance of fire safety and the bravery of those who volunteer to protect their community. Plus, they might get to hear the sirens and see the lights in action, making it a memorable experience.

It has been brought to our attention that a soldier that was killed in action during WWII will be passing through this evening on I-70. His remains were recently identified and will be returned to his home county.

While we just recently observed Memorial Day the reality is that every day should be Memorial Day. We have an opportunity to pay final respects to Private Harold Oscar Poulter.

The time frame is not exact, however the funeral director assisting with this is hopeful that it will be sometime between 7:30pm-9:00pm. If we get more specifics on the time frame we will do another post.

Here are some of the details about Private Harold Oscar Poulter.

"Harold Oscar Poulter, age 23, of Charleston, IL. was killed in action on February 8, 1945, in Biesdorf, Germany."

"Private Harold O. POULTER, service number 35457594, served with Company G, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in the European Theater during the Second World War. Historians at the DPAA report that on 8 February 1945, Private POULTER was killed in action near Biesdorf, Germany. An officer for the regiment submitted a report stating that Private POULTER died by small arms fire after being engaged by enemy forces from an elevated position. A solider from his unit also witnessed his death. Despite subsequent recovery efforts, his remains were not accounted for during or after the war."

"Harold was awarded the following medals: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII."

The Toledo Fire Protection District extends its warmest congratulations to cadet Taylor Huddlestun, a graduate of Cumberland High School's class of 2024, who has dedicated three years of service to the fire district as a cadet.