Post Messenger Recorder -

The Belleville Volunteer Fire Fighters would like to thank the New Glarus Brewing Company and the many others who have recently donated to our department. With the generous donation of $2,500.00 from the New Glarus Brewing Co., silent auction and other donations, the fundraiser held by Dot's Tavern on Saturday, September 15, 2018, raised almost $10,000.00.

On Tuesday, August 21, 2018, in the evening hours, the record rain that fell in western Dane County made its way through the Sugar River watershed to Belleville. As the Sugar River rose, water reached the fire station and several homes in Belleville. The basement, which houses our kitchen, training room and storage areas, filed with about 3 and a half feet of river water. As a result, the fire department lost nearly everything in the basement. This included our newly remodeled kitchen, training items, reserve equipment and damage to our 1941 Ford Fire Truck.

Fortunately, the department does have an insurance plan that will cover much of the damage. We are still working with our insurance company to determine the amount of coverage; the reality is that insurance will not cover all expenses in part due to the depreciated value of items, many of which are significantly dated. As a result these additional funds are needed and are not planned for in our 2018 or 2019 operational budget.

We remain humbled by the outpouring of support from the Belleville community and surrounding communities. Funds raised will be used to fill the void left by insurance; funds not used to fill the insurance void will be used to help us expand our ability to respond to water related emergencies.

Again, we cannot thank all of you enough. Your support allows us to continue to provide professional level service at a volunteer price. On behalf of the fire fighters and officers of the Belleville Fire Department, thank you one and all.