Ashland Elks #1360 Partners With Local Fire Department

A Knox Box is a tamper-proof key holder that is installed outside the residence of an individual who is at a high risk for falls, the elderly or physically handicapped residents. With these boxes, Fire and EMS personnel can quickly and safely gain access to the residence when the person inside might not be able to get to the door and avoid having to perform a costly and dangerous “forced entry”.

FRom LEFT: Fire Chief Rick Anderson, Exalted Ruler Mike Fallon, Captain Mark Miller

Through this program the Ashland Fire Division has gone from having over a hundred keys to just one. Every vehicle in the fleet is equipped with a key and a note shows up with the call stating the resident is part of the program. With the opening of the new Fire Station #2 the traditional method of giving the department a key was not feasible anymore. For more information about the Knox Box Program and to sign up, check out their website on the city page (Ashland-ohio.com).

The Ashland Elks secured over $3,000 in funding through the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant and the Ashland Elks Past Exalted Ruler Association to purchase 15 new Knox Boxes for the community.

This year the Ohio Elks Association provided 24 $1,000 grants to be used in communities to provide equipment for municipalities that they would otherwise not be able to purchase. In past years the Ashland Elks have purchased an electronic fire extinguisher training device, a tv to better review body cam footage and extra air splits through the grant.

The Ashland Elks Past Exalted Ruler Association is comprised of former Exalted Rulers (Presidents) and the charitable arm of the organization. This year alone the Elks have provided funding for a handicap accessible golf cart at Brethren Care, honor bus trips, multiple sports and club teams, and over $22,000 to the McClure Outdoor Education Center to name a few. For more information about the Elks, check out their website AshlandElks.com or Elks.org.