Logansport Fire and EMA pursue $30K grant for new training facility

Logansport's City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, spotlighted a collaborative effort to enhance emergency training facilities and improve public safety through updated warning sirens.

Fire Chief Jason Smith announced a joint initiative with Cass County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and District 1 Fire Chief Steve Fisher to pursue a $30,000 grant from the Cass County Community Foundation. This funding aims to establish a new training facility, potentially located at the EMA site, which would serve all 11 fire departments in Cass County. Smith emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "If the city and county work together, we'll get something that works a lot better." The grant application is expected to be submitted in July, with a decision anticipated by August.

In addition to the training facility discussion, Rocky Buffum, the director of emergency management, addressed the aging warning siren system in Logansport and surrounding areas. With many sirens dating back to 1948, Buffum outlined the challenges of maintaining these outdated systems, which are crucial for public safety during severe weather events. He noted that nearly half of the 28 sirens in the county are located within Logansport, highlighting the city's significant role in the emergency alert system.

Buffum presented various options for the future of the sirens, including the possibility of replacing them with modern, radio-controlled units that could be activated remotely. He stressed the need for community input on whether to maintain or phase out the current system, stating, "If the city thinks they're important, do you want to put anything in?"

The discussions at the meeting underscored a proactive approach to enhancing emergency preparedness in Logansport, with both the training facility and siren system improvements poised to benefit the entire community. As the city moves forward, the collaboration between local fire departments and emergency management is set to strengthen public safety measures for years to come.