Did you know?

• The Volunteer Marine Fire and Rescue has been on the lake 31 years
• There are currently 50 volunteers serving in the organization
• Of the 50 volunteers, 14 members are on the specialty dive team
• The Rescue Squad operates 12 months of the year

Headed up by Captain Al Busch, The SML Volunteer Marine Fire and Rescue squad has a wide variety of duties it performs. They have direct responsibility for the maintenance of all channel and shoal markers. The squad responds to all accidents on the lake. If you ever become stranded and are drifting on the lake, all you have to do is put out the emergency call and they will be there. Additionally, they help keep our lake clean and safe by picking up large debris that finds its way into our channel and coves.

What most lake residents don’t know is that the Marine Fire and Rescue are often the first called to action in health and accident emergencies that occur off water. Many times it is quicker and easier to get to locations by water. The rescue squad is qualified to perform EMT measures on victims of heart attacks and other such emergencies. They are the first line of support for seven lake area rescue squads and nine additional land area rescue squads.

This summer the SMLBA awarded the SML Volunteer Marine Fire and Rescue $12,000 to support their efforts. $2000 of this money went to buy salvage equipment to lift large sunken boats from the bottom of our lake before any environmental damage could occur. The balance of the money is to support the everyday costs of running this operation, and to be placed in a fund designated for new updated fireboats. The organization is currently in the market for new fireboats to help them serve the lake better.

You see them every time you cruise down SML. Next time you pass a rescue fireboat, give them a hearty wave and a loud shout of thank you!

SMLBA Luncheon Attendees

It was with great pride that the SMLBA was able to present several local volunteer organizations with monies raised from the 12th annual SML Tom Maynard Memorial Poker Run. On July 3rd there was a informal presentation luncheon to bring all those together that have worked hard to make the SML a safer and better place to live, work, and enjoy.

We honor and appreciate the hard work and efforts of the following organizations. In doing so, we have awarded these organizations the designated funds:

Thank you to all sponsors and participants in this year’s Poker Run. We could not possibly have done this without your support!