Local Union Finds Way Of Giving Back

Machinists Lodge 1498 wanted to help the community, and has agreed to clear the snow from approximately 27 fire hydrants during the winter months.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – When firefighters roll onto the scene of a structure fire, seconds count, and finding and clearing a fire hydrant can cost valuable time.

Jeff Elliott works at Clow Valve Company in Oskaloosa. He along with several of his co-workers in the local union were looking for a way to give back to the community. A conversation with Oskaloosa Fire Department’s Dave Christenson helped to fill that need.

Christenson suggested that Elliott and the local International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers could adopt clearing fire hydrants of snow during the winter months.

The union agreed, and have now adopted approximately 27 hydrants near Clow Valve.

John Herrig, Business Representative for the local union, said the project is important, as is helping to raise the awareness of the union.

Many times people only see unions in action at a picket line, but the community project will have union members out serving the community instead.

“This was our answer to get out into the community and do some positive things,” said Herrig. “Let’s help people, not just help members, and help the community.”

“I’m so proud of these members from local Machinists Lodge #1498 for stepping up and making this happen,” added Herrig.

Christenson added that many of the homeowners are elderly, and they are unable to help keep the hydrants clear of snow. “They [union] stepped up to the plate.”

Mark Willett, General Manager at Clow Valve in Oskaloosa, explained that he’s been looking for ways to reach out to the community, and then asking the rest of the team to join in the efforts. “This is the first time I know of, in the history of Clow, where our union has come to us, saying they found a way that they want to give back to this community. That is just a sign of where we are going as an organization. That’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity and their willingness to get involved.”

“It makes me very proud to be a part of this team,” said Willett.

Elliott said that he sees this as an opportunity to help showcase the good, for the union, Clow, and the community. “I see nothing but good to come from this.”

When the snow buries local hydrants, expect to see some union members out and about, giving of themselves and their personal time to the community.