Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

It was the end of an era when Task Unit 1 in Osgood closed its doors the first of this year. Task Unit 1 began nearly 30 years ago serving families in Jackson, Center, and Delaware townships as well as parts of Milan and Versailles in the beginning.

“It was an outstanding service organization,” said Shawn Negangard, who has served as both an active member of the extrication unit and a member of the board for the past 25 years.

“There were a lot of unhappy people when we closed,” said Negangard. He said the board feels the community is getting better service with the volunteer fire departments employing first responders and EMTs.

When Task Unit 1 disbanded, the extrication truck that was purchased by the Reynolds Foundation went to the Osgood Volunteer Fire Department as per the original agreement between Task Unit 1 and the foundation.

But the desire to continue to help the surrounding communities prompted the Task Unit board to purchase three brand new vehicles for the Osgood, Delaware and Napoleon volunteer fire departments.

The Osgood and Delaware departments received Ford Expeditions with the Napoleon department receiving a four-wheel drive pickup truck that better suited their needs. “It was the last thing that the task unit could do for the communities,” said Negangard.

Negangard continues to work with the Osgood VFD teaching and helping out with the extrication needs.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO As funds from the Task Unit 1 extrication unit were dissolved due to the group disbanding, proceeds were used to help the three township fire departments the Task Unit served. Each department received a vehicle suited to their needs. Pictured from left with each vehicle purchased are: Jeff Volz, Task Unit board member representing Osgood; Larry Black, Task Unit board member representing Center Township and Osgood firefighter; Steve Linville, Osgood Fire Chief, Shawn Negangard, president of Task Unit board; Justin Greathouse, Napoleon Fire Chief, Mike Schuler, Task Unit board member representing Jackson Township; Ron Bushorn, Delaware Fire Chief, and Melvin Dwenger, Task Unit board member representing Delaware Township and firefighter for Delaware Volunteer Fire Department.