Donations aid canine fund, patriotic display
VERMILION — Vermilion Fire Company Inc. recently donated $500 to the Vermilion Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 125 K-9 Fund and $250 to the Flags on Liberty Committee.
The K-9 fund is used exclusively to support the Vermilion Police Department’s canine unit, Police Chief Scott Holmes said.
The donation comes as the department prepares for K-9 Falon’s planned retirement in spring 2027. The department is beginning to seek additional donations to help purchase a new police dog and pay for the dog and its handler to complete training.
“The VPD extends a huge thank you to the Vermilion Fire Company for their generous $500 donation,” Holmes said. “This comes at a perfect time.”
Holmes also thanked the department’s fellow first responders for supporting the police canine program.
The $250 donation will help the Flags on Liberty Committee purchase flags and poles and continue displaying flags along Liberty Avenue throughout the summer.
“On behalf of the Flags on Liberty Committee, we are very appreciative of the hard work, dedication and generosity of the Vermilion Fire Department,” committee member Cliff German said. “I know they appreciate the Flags on Liberty Committee and what is being done to keep our city patriotic and beautiful.”
Fire Marshal Rodney Johnston said the donations came from money raised by Vermilion Fire Company Inc., the social organization made up of members of the fire department. The money did not come from taxpayer funds.
The company raises money through fundraisers and community events, including a recent golf cart raffle, and distributes the proceeds to local organizations and causes.
“This is just something that we do to raise money to give back to the community in different ways,” Johnston said.