Mrs. June Allen wished to create a lasting legacy to honor her husband Doug‘s service as an EMT and Fire Chief. This Fund will provide grant funding to assist Roscommon County township Fire and EMS Departments with general needs and costs associated with continuing education and general needs.
$2,708.69 Granted
The Doug Allen Fire & EMS Support Fund Grant Recipients
2025 – Roscommon County Emergency Management – $775.00 for Rescue Task Force Initial Equipment
2021 – Nester Township Fire Department – $633.00 for Water/Ice Rescue Equipment
2020 – Gerrish Township – $280.00 for Advanced Child Airway Management Trainer and County of Roscommon – $250.00 for Tactical Entry Vests
2019 – Gerrish Township Police Department – $300.00 for Project “Tracks”
2018 – Village of Roscommon – $472.00 for Village AED
2016 – Gerrish Township – $119.00 for Stop CO Poisoning
2020 Grant Award: Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department Awarded Grant for Tactical Vests
The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce that a grant of $1,500.00 was awarded to the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department to assist with their Tactical Entry Vest project. Funding for this project was provided by the Morley Family Foundation Fund and the Doug Allen Fire & EMS Fund.
The purpose of this grant is to replace the old, worn, and expired existing equipment that is being used by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) members. The deputies who are a part of the ERT are often called to assist in other areas depending on the type of incident or crisis, so it is crucial that the deputies have new updated equipment.
2018 Grant Award: Enhancing Emergency Response: Doug Allen Fire & EMS Fund Support
Bottom Pictured from L to R:
BACK ROW: Tom Allen and June Allen (Roscommon County Community Foundation – The Doug Allen Fire & EMS Fund), Dave Harned (RCCF Board Trustee), Lt. Greg Patchin (Gerrish Twp. P.D. and Project Grant Writer), Gerrish Twp. Fire/EMS Chief Jim Fisher, ACT NOW Chair John Ellis, Higgins Lake Foundation Board Member Rick Meeks.
FRONT ROW: Lyndsey Houser (RCCF Marketing & Administrative Associate), Brittany Buck (RCCF Business Manager), Anita Sheppard (RCCF Secretary), Chief Brian Hill (Gerrish Twp. P.D.), Gerrish Twp. Treasurer Leasa Tulgetske, Jim Clabuesch (RCCF Board Trustee).
Not Pictured but Represented: Suzanne Luck, RCCF Executive Director
Thanks to the support of several generous partners, including the Roscommon County Community Foundation’s Doug Allen Fire & EMS Fund, the Gerrish Township Police and Fire/EMS Departments were able to enhance their emergency response capabilities with the installation of a TRACK system on their Polaris Ranger off-road special response vehicle. The grant, originally written by Lt. Greg Patchin, received funding from the RCCF’s Morley Foundation Fund, the Roscommon County General Fund, and the Higgins Lake Foundation Community Grant Program, with additional support from community partner ACT-NOW.
The new TRACK system enables the Ranger to navigate difficult terrain year-round, including deep snow, wooded areas, hills, and marshy ground, allowing emergency personnel to reach individuals in remote areas that standard vehicles cannot access. This upgraded vehicle is used for search and rescue missions, medical emergencies on sledding hills or frozen lakes, and standby patrol at large community events. Originally acquired in 2007 through a grant from the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, the Ranger has steadily evolved with added features like a Freedom Cab, rear Stokes Carrier, and Jump Seat. With the latest TRACK system addition, it stands as one of the most versatile and unique emergency vehicles in the county—available not only to Gerrish Township but also to neighboring communities through mutual aid.
The Gerrish Township Police Department extends sincere thanks to all donor partners, especially the Doug Allen Fire & EMS Fund, for helping make this critical upgrade possible.
2017 Grant Award: Gerrish Township Fire & EMS Department
Pictured- (Left to Right) June Allen- Fund Initiator and wife of late Doug Allen, Brandon Rodgers- 2nd lieutenant, and Suzanne Luck, RCCF Executive Director.
In 2017, the Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) awarded a $1,250 grant to Gerrish Township to support the Fire and EMS Department. Funding for this grant was made possible through contributions from the Roscommon County General Fund ($1,131) and the Doug Allen Fire & EMS Support Fund ($119). The grant allowed the department to purchase a specialized device that measures carbon monoxide levels in individuals—an essential tool when responding to carbon monoxide alarm calls. According to Brandon Rodgers, the device had already been used 6–12 times within the first year, demonstrating its immediate impact. RCCF is proud to support projects like this that directly enhance public safety and improve emergency response in our community.
To learn more about all of the funds at the Roscommon County Community Foundation please visit our Fund Directory.