Anderson, Indiana-January 2008

The City of Anderson is the county seat of Madison County. Incorporated as a city in August of 1865, Anderson is the headquarters of the Church of God and home to Anderson University, which is affiliated with that denomination. Highlights of the city include the historic Paramount Theatre and the Gruenwald Home.
The city is named for Chief William Anderson, whose mother was a Delaware Indian and whose father was of Swedish descent.

Major industries in Anderson include: Anderson Tool and Engineering, Barber Manufacturing, Delco Remy America, Delphi Energy and Engine, Prairie Farms Dairy, and Hoosier Park. Additionally, Nestle Corporation opened a new large factory in Anderson this past year with much fanfare.
Anderson residents have demonstrated their creativity in many ways over the years. Seventeen different types of automobiles were manufactured in Anderson and many other inventions were perfected. These include: gas regulators, the stamp vending machine, the clothes presser, the flower car for funeral homes, the automatic gearshift, and the vulcanizing process that retreads tires.

Fire Department Supports Community
The 122 sworn personnel of the Anderson Fire Department protect the 40 square miles of the city. But protection isn’t their only focus, they also give back through charitable contributions and educational programs. Since 1993, the department has been managing the Fire Safety House located on the 3rd floor of the public library. Captain Becky Bathauer leads an interactive tour that teaches children what to do if their house is burning and other emergency procedures. CPR training is provided to the community as well. All proceeds from the courses are donated to the Department’s Fire Explorers Program and the Hoosier Burn Camp. Other charitable support comes through their participation in the annual MDA Fill the Boot campaign. These charitable contributions have helped numerous families in the community. Newly-named Fire Chief Dave Clendenen seeks to work more closely with the school systems and youth of Anderson in 2008 through disaster preparedness programs, CPR and more. For fire fighting personnel, the City makes available what’s known as the Assist Team. This specialized team of personnel helps with the psychological well-being of those who have experienced a traumatizing situation.

New Academy Introduced
The department is proud to announce that ambulance user fees have helped make possible the development of a new training academy. The facility, to be located on 14 acres, will feature a 4-story training tower with removable walls, ventilation simulators and much more. It will take 2 to 3 years for the entire training grounds to be developed, but the tower will be available in the spring. Since the Department serves as the District 6 Training Hub for Indiana, 13 counties will have access to the training facility and other resources. A $100,000 grant from the State will provide for a new state-of-the-art classroom as well. The department looks forward to using these new facilities that will enable more lifelike scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.

Medical Program Leads to Improved Lives
Since implementing the medical testing recommended by the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative several years ago, the department has experienced many benefits. One fire fighter had serious cardiac concerns that were discovered and treated before they caused more damage. Assistant Deputy Chief Don “Doc” Watson reports that that one incident has more than paid for itself not only in a potential life saved, but through the increased awareness that others now have about healthy habits. “By helping our personnel to determine where problems may lie, they can be treated before it’s too late,” states Chief Watson.

Click here for the Anderson Fire Department newsletter article.

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© 2007 Public Safety Medical Services