Farm owner thanks firefighters
Swift efforts allowed dairy to bounce back after barn fire
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PATTON -- While some of the rubble remains from a Dec. 6 fire that destroyed a maintenance barn, the Thousand Hill Dairy Farm has continued to provide local products for the community.
Had it not been for swift efforts from local first responders, according to Bill Hoover, Thousand Hills' co-owner, the farm might not have been able to bounce back as quickly.
"These firefighters kept the fire from spreading," Hoover said Monday. "They saved several other barns that night."
As a token of appreciation for their first responders, members of the Hoover family personally thanked members of the Patton Fire Company No. 1 Monday evening and presented the department with a donation for an undisclosed amount.
"We are so appreciative of all the firefighters that came and helped," said Alice Hoover, Bill's daughter. "We can't thank them enough."
The donation will be divided among all seven fire departments that braved freezing temperatures and battled the blaze that took nearly 12 hours to extinguish.
More than 120,000 gallons of water were poured on the barn, which contained several pieces of heavy machinery and also stored grain.
The building was deemed a total loss; however, no livestock were harmed and no injuries were reported.
Hoover said that while there wasn't anything to save in the large barn, firefighters arrived on scene within minutes and helped protect several other barns, including one just feet away that housed calves.
"The efforts of the fire personnel that were on hand at the scene saved a lot of buildings, and the outcome could have been much worse had it not been for them," Bill Hoover said. "We're glad that they were there and were able to save everything that they could."
Patton Fire Chief Pat Wood said he was very appreciative of the Hoover family not only for the donation, but for how they have contributed to the community.
"The Hoover family is an intricate part of the community," Wood said. "They've provided the fire company and the community support throughout the century."
Bill Hoover said his family is still working to overcome the adversity and emotional toll the fire has created.
While the family's farmers tried to continue with business as usual, it has taken some time for the Hoovers to digest everything.
"It's taken about a week for everything to really sink in," Bill Hoover said. "We're still trying to get through this."
Numerous farms from throughout the area have stepped up over the past two weeks to help replace grain destroyed in the blaze, with several farms donating hay, corn and other crops.
As the Hoovers work to get back on their feet, they said they are appreciative of everyone who has reached out and offered a helping hand.
"Everyone has just been so supportive through this tough time," Alice Hoover said.
Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.