Dalton Firefighters Association donates over $81,000 to benefit local fire, EMS services

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DALTON FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

DGKN staff report

On April 16, the Dalton Firefighters Association presented a check to representatives of the Wayne County Regional Training Facility, a local fire, safety, and EMS training center whose mission is to prepare first responders to keep the community safe, according to information provided by the association.

The Dalton Firefighters Association, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), was formed in 2025 by Jason and Jess Stutzman to raise funds for fire and EMS equipment purchases, foster cooperation among local communities and governmental bodies, and provide fire prevention and safety education to Dalton and the surrounding area. Through personal experience, they understood how time-consuming and costly these activities can be.

Their mission was to come alongside local personnel and help relieve some of that burden, pressure, and stress faced by decision makers.

In 2024, the Stutzmans spearheaded the Dalton Bulldog 5K. With the help of the running community, the generous support of local businesses, and the Dalton Volunteer Fire Department, more than $13,000 was raised. Those funds were used to purchase a heart monitor, providing an additional tool to better serve the community, according to information provided.

Following the success of the 5K, the Stutzmans formally established the Dalton Firefighters Association as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) to expand their efforts in serving Dalton and the surrounding communities.

In 2025, the association raised more than $50,000 through multiple raffles, giving people across the country, including some as far away as Arizona, the opportunity to win prizes that may otherwise have been financially out of reach. Winners of those prizes, which included a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude, two 2025 Ventrac tractors, and several other items and gift cards, shared how grateful they were and how much the winnings meant to them and their families.

The 2025 Dalton Bulldog 5K raised more than $30,000 and welcomed nearly 400 participants, almost doubling the 2024 turnout, to the Sippo Valley Trail for a crisp fall run. The event brought the community together for an outdoor adventure while also giving local businesses an opportunity to support the cause through sponsorship.

“It was awesome. We received a lot of compliments. The sponsors and participants made this an incredible day for the community,” Stutzman said at the time.

In total, the Dalton Firefighters Association raised more than $81,000 to further its mission of supporting and enhancing local fire and EMS services.

To best align with its mission of purchasing equipment, fostering cooperation among communities and governmental bodies, and providing fire prevention and safety education, the association presented a check for more than $81,000 to the Wayne County Regional Training Facility.

Chief Nathan Murphy, WCRTF executive director, said in the release, “Wow! This was unexpected and 100% needed. Operations are usually covered by user fees, while capital improvements require grants and donations.”

WCRTF operates on a very tight budget, working hard to keep costs down while maintaining a first-class facility and top-notch instruction. A portion of the funds will be used to replace outdated computers needed for state testing. This will allow testing to remain on-site, keep costs down, and stay within the jurisdiction, allowing students to take their newly learned skills directly back to their communities without delay. Other planned purchases include new SCBA bottles, drafting pad upgrades, hand tools, and power equipment to help maintain the best training conditions possible.

Not only will this donation help meet immediate needs, but it will also have a lasting impact for years to come as future first responders gain the education and skills necessary to keep the community as safe as possible during emergencies.

WCRTF provides training and education for fire, EMS, and agricultural communities. In addition, the facility welcomes fire, EMS, law enforcement, and members of the general public to rent its buildings, props, equipment, classrooms, and auditorium/kitchen space.

In less than 12 months, the Dalton Firefighters Association raised a substantial amount of money to improve the safety of residents, according to the release. Most importantly, these funds were raised without a ballot initiative, lives were positively impacted, and the future of fire and EMS services in Wayne County is in strong hands.

It is truly a win-win-win for everyone involved, the release states.

The Dalton Firefighters Association would like to thank everyone who donated, participated, and worked tirelessly to make this possible. Your impact will be felt for many years to come, the release states.

Due to circumstances beyond its control, the Dalton Firefighters Association Board voted unanimously on April 9, 2026, to dissolve the organization and distribute all remaining funds in accordance with its articles of incorporation.

When the association’s attorney presented this plan to the Village solicitor, they were informed that the Village of Dalton did not wish to accept support from the association. This position was communicated on multiple occasions, including on the Village’s website, which clarifies that the Dalton Firefighters Association is not affiliated with the Dalton Fire Department.

“While we respect that we are separate entities, our sole mission has always been to support the department and help reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers,” according to information provided by the Dalton Firefighters Association.