ROYERTON, Ind. – Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Company has been holding its hog roast fundraiser for the past 51 years. It’s a way for them to give back to the community while getting vital funding to continue their firefighting endeavors.
“We have a very young group of guys here at Hamilton, and we’re a very young, very green group of guys, and they all have a will and passion to help the community,” Blake Haupt, Assistant Fire Chief of Hamilton Township, said.
Dylan Haupt, Fire Chief for Hamilton Township, shared similar sentiments to the rest of the Fire Company.
“I get to help a lot of people,” Dylan explained. “I’ve always loved helping people. So, especially in a time of need, I get to help people out, and it kind of makes you feel good inside,”
His passion for firefighting has been here for quite some time. In fact, he didn’t have to give up his other dreams.
“Being a volunteer firefighter has been something since I was little, kind of between that and being a contractor. I kind of got the best of both worlds,” said Dylan.
However, what volunteers in this company may see can be very hard on them. Though it’s a reminder that the actions they are taking are very important for the community.
“It’s helped me knowing that I’m there for somebody on their worst day and to never take any day for granted,” said Melissa Burris, EMS Lieutenant for Hamilton Township.
The members of this fire company do it for the love, the passion and the caring for others. All they get in return is a maximum $300 for a clothing allowance and memories to last a lifetime.
Contact Dylan Chesnut with comments at dylan.chesnut@bsu.edu
