Money, equipment and the utilization of equipment at a general store have become the topic of conversation and questions surrounding the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department. 

Chief Tony Camp said he has received several questions and has been personally attacked by several in the community, including a former firefighter who served before the department was shut down by the Walnut Creek Fire Prevention District. 

"Attacks on the department, district board or an individual associated with the department will not be tolerated," Camp said. 

The purchase of a hovercraft has come under questioning, and Camp said the purchase was based due to geographical locations of Glenn Flint Lake and VanBibber Lake.

"As one should already know, we train for ice and water rescue, not just fire training," Camp said. 

Camp noted the purchased was "well planned" and input and suggestions were taken. 

He said the hovercraft has the ability to reach areas that a regular pontoon boat will not, and can travel over water, ice and land. 

"We take pride in our investment as the previous Clinton Township Volunteers took pride in the purchase of a $180,000 tanker to replace the previous tanker that only needed about $5,000 worth of maintenance," Camp said. 

There have also been questions as to why equipment purchased by taxpayer dollars are being used at a general store operated by Camp.

Camp said when he took over the department in August 2022, it was discovered that former members were planning to sell items that were purchased by the Clinton township Auxiliary account, which was funded by free will donations. Camp said he was able to use close to $3,200 in the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department account to purchase those items back with the exception of a freezer. 

The Putnam County Post has requested a copy of bank records pertaining to the auxiliary account. 

"By reviewing previous bank records, it was discovered the outside freezer was purchased for $800 with CTVFD funds and then sold to a previous member. When the freezer was sold, the funds were never put back into the CTVFD auxiliary account," said Camp, who added he was able to recover $400 from an individual representing the auxiliary at the time. 

Camp said the freezer in the kitchen was used outside until someone did not properly close the door, causing the compressor to burn out and quit working. 

He added the new ice freezer that was housed at the fire department has indeed been moved to the Lakeside Mini Mart.

"The location is better suited for customers to obtain ice. It will also allow staff to better monitor inventory. All proceeds from the ice freezer still benefit the fire department," Camp said. 

Camp said when the previous fire department auxiliary account was closed and cashed out, bank records show the previous board and department members received a personal check and liquidated remaining auxiliary money into their own pockets. 

"It is the same adults that were unsuccessful at keeping the previous department together who are the same adults attempting to destroy the current department," Camp said.