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Corrected News Release: A version of this release, issued earlier today, incorrectly identified the fire fighters with the Putnamville Correctional Facility Fire Department as volunteers. In fact they are not volunteers, but are considered an Industrial Fire Department. Content in the below release has been amended to reflect the correction. Our apology for the oversight.
Putnamville Correctional Facility Fire Department Utilized For Both Community and Facility
Greencastle, Ind.— Many people in communities close to the Putnamville Correctional Facility likely don't know the facility has a fully staffed fire department, to include their own fire trucks. The Putnamville Correctional Facility Fire Department (PCFD) provides services, not just at the correctional facility, but also to help nearby community fire departments when there's a request for mutual aid. Mutual aid requests between fire departments happen when another fire jurisdiction needs additional assistance at an emergency scene. Members of the PCFD are always at the ready to offer their services in support of other fire jurisdictions and have done so on a number occasions.
Robert Mason, the Chief of the PCFD, spoke about fires and emergency events where assistance was offered to other fire departments. "Recently our firefighters assisted the Cloverdale Fire Department with two structural fires, and we also provided assistance at a structural fire in Reelsville, IN." Chief Mason continued, "It isn't always a structure fire where we are called to help; we have also responded to downed power lines that were still energized as well as electrical fires." Mason concluded, "Having our own certified and fully trained fire fighters means we can respond to emergency events on correctional property without putting a strain on local fire department resources. The added benefit is we are ready, willing and able to help any other nearby community in their time of need.”
The members of the PCFD are all full time staff at the Putnamville Correctional Facility, holding positions as correctional officers and sergeants, as well as maintenance staff at the facility. Their willingness to go through additional training to serve as fire fighters clearly illustrates a commitment to serve, not just to the department of correction, but to the greater community area where life saving help could be needed at a moments notice.
Members of the Putnamville Correctional Facility Fire Department in Group Photo with their Emergency Fire Vehicles
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