STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2023) – State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) recently helped the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association honor Gentryville volunteer firefighter Carl A. Forston at the Statehouse for 50 years of service.
Forston, who serves with the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, was among 86 members recognized for their 50 years of dedication during a program on Monday, April 3 in Indianapolis.
"These volunteers reached an incredible milestone and I'm proud to see Carl among those recognized," Bartels said. "Dedicated community members like him are critical to the success of our volunteer fire departments and the services they provide. I know they sacrifice time away from their families and their jobs to serve their neighbors, and are always ready to respond no matter the emergency."
Bartels joined IVFA's leadership, Executive Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Joel Thacker, Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones and Gov. Eric Holcomb in recognizing Indiana's long-serving volunteer firefighters.
Bartels also supported House Concurrent Resolution 21 during this year's legislative session, which honored Forston and other volunteers for their 50 years of service.
In November 2022, Forston received his IVFA life membership and pin for his years of service, which was presented to him by his nephew, Brian Spellmeyer, chief of the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department.
The Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association is made up of over 17,000 members, and connects and unifies volunteer fire departments throughout the state. Visit ivfa.org to learn more about the organization.
-30-
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.
Photo Caption: State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) (right) congratulates Carl A. Forston (left) of the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department during a ceremony Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association formally recognized Forston along with 85 other members for 50 years of service.
