Tecumseh Church Helping To Raise Money For Fire Department Rescue Boat

Among other tools, the Tecumseh Fire Department has brush trucks, pumpers and ladders. But they are missing a crucial piece of equipment that could save lives – a rescue boat.

The tragedy that happened in June in Pottawatomie County cannot be changed, but rescuers are doing everything in their power to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.

When the rain pounded our state, the Little River overflowed and 80-year-old Carolyn Agle tried to pass Ruggles Road to get into town. Tecumseh Fire Department responded to the emergency, but they couldn't get to her.

“All we could do was wait for them to get there,” said Tecumseh Fire Dept. Lt. Chad Larman.

An hour passed before Shawnee fire crews could arrive with their boat. Carolyn died in her vehicle.

“Very, very big wake up call,” Lt. Larman said.

But since that wake up call, they've made preparing for the next water rescue, a top priority. They invested in new head-to-toe gear - helmets, gloves, water shoes and lifejackets.

And now local churches are working together to get them a rescue boat.

“We want our community to feel that their fire department is not only well-staffed, which it is, but also to be well equipped and to be able to handle any natural disaster that may come along,” Chad Brodrick said.

Chad Brodrick is the pastor at First Assembly and president of the Tecumseh Ministerial Alliance. They've created this GoFundMe account hoping the community will help cover the $15,000 cost of a new inflatable, motorized boat.

The donations would fund a life-saving tool to carry crews through the current so they can rescue those in need.