But once she got started, the information flowed about the all-volunteer organization that provides direct support to the Springfield Fire and Rescue Division. Its support is extended to the Springfield Police Division when necessary, as well as to the Enon/Mad River Twp, Green Twp. and Hustead fire departments.
Box 27 started on Oct. 22, 1935. The name, Matthies related, came from the number of the street corner call box thought to have been where Springfield’s greatest fire disaster — the massive, Nov. 10, 1902 blaze at the East Street shops — was first reported. In actuality, she said, the report came from box 63 inside the shops.
The group disbanded during World War II, but was reorganized in 1951.
During the early years, Matthies said, members were called to fires by Victor Duane’s answering services and provided coffee and donuts to firefighters on scenes, set ladders and rolled hoses. The organization was originally limited to 27 members, but that number was increased over the years.
The group’s first vehicle, obtained in 1952, was a former City Lines Bus that was transformed into a canteen and first aid station. Later, an old Chevrolet truck was equipped to provide lighting at fire scenes.
The organization bought an Airstream trailer in the 1960s that was pulled by a retired fire engine. From the 1970s until 2006, Box 27 utilized its familiar red and white step van truck, which Matthies said spent “thousands and thousands of hours at the 1974 Xenia tornado scene.”
Currently, the organization has two vehicles — one truck dubbed “Support 2-7” that contains a fully equipped refrigerator, coffee maker and rehabilitation capability, and another known as “Air 2-7” that is fully equipped with the capability to refill air cylinders and provide high-powered lighting.
Matthies said over the years, as firefighting has become more sophisticated, the mission of Box 27 members has also changed. The focus is now on refilling the oxygen tanks fire crews use, re-hydrating and providing shelter for the crews in inclement weather and providing lighting and any other necessary assistance as requested.
The members respond to the multiple-alarm fires plus some fatal crash scenes and drownings.
Funding for the non-profit organization comes from International Association of Firefighters Local 333, the Springfield Police Patrolman’s Association and the group’s fund-raisers. Members of Box 27 pay dues of $80 per year. The city of Springfield provides service on the Box 27 vehicles.
Matthies stressed the group is always looking for new members and being part of Box 27 is a rewarding experience.
“We enjoy what we do (and) we’re constantly thanked for what we do. It’s a great organization to belong to,” she said.
Matthies added the requirements are minimal — a member must be 18 years old or older, have their own transportation and be able to pass a background check.
Currently, all the members are in their 50s, 60s and 70s in age, she pointed out.
After Matthies’ presentation, SENA President Marianne Nave presented her with a $25 donation in memory of long-time Box 27 member Warren Downing. SENA, which serves a geographic area of 1,300 homes, 33 businesses, eight churches and one grade school, celebrated its 15th year of activities at the meeting.
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