Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

09/02/2026

Today, we honor the life and mourn the passing of former member Kenneth “Kenny” Thomas.
Kenny served with the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department during the 1970s and 1980s. He became the first of three generations of his family to serve the Friendship community, inspiring one of his sons and a grandson to follow in his footsteps.
Even after his years of service, Kenny remained a devoted supporter of Friendship Volunteer Fire Department. You could find he and Sharon at nearly every event.
Rest in peace, old friend. Thank you for your service, support, and many contributions over the years. To the rest of the Thomas family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Kenneth C. Thomas, 85, of Cross Plains passed away at 8:40 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2026, one day away from of his 86th birthday. He was born on Bear Creek near Pleasant in Switzerland County on September 1, 1940, the son of Carl and Frieda Klusman Thomas. He was married to Sharen Boyles on July 7, 1962 and his wife of 64 years survives. Other survivors include three sons Mark (Kim) Thomas and Gary (Pam) Thomas both of Cross Plains and Dale (Jackie) Thomas of Fishers; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one brother Arthur (Debbie) Thomas of Cross Plains. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Thomas attended school at Dewberry and was a 1959 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He served with the USAF Reserves and was stationed in Texas during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Kenny was a well known and lifelong farmer in his community and he and Sharen had formerly been named Conservation Farmers of the Year. He enjoyed following the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, deer hunting, and following his grandkid’s sporting events. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean where he served on the church council, a former member of the Friendship Fire Department, and a former board director for the Southeast Indiana Feeder Auction. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4 at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Rev. Dr. Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

09/01/2026

Last Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Ripley County Community Foundation stopped by the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. to drop off a grant award from the Cross Plains Community Fund. We would like to thank the board for supporting our project and making this grant possible. Also, a big thank you for the RCCF for managing the process. We will be using the funds to improve our water supply capability.

08/14/2026

We would like to take a moment to thank Southeastern Indiana REMC for selecting Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. to receive one of the "Round Up Grants" this period. These funds will be used to purchase water supply equipment for fire ground operations. More to come on that, stay tuned! Thanks to everyone who supports the "Round Up" on your electric bill. That little donation is what makes these grants possible. Be safe out there! See less

08/13/2026

August 13, 2026: Update - Laughery Creek has receded off of State Road 62. However, we urge caution as the creek may still rise occasionally as the water continues to flow. INDOT will remove the barriers as soon as they are able. Be safe out there!

08/13/2026

August 13, 2026, well the last few days have been a bit damp to say the least. As of this posting, Laughrey Creek in Friendship has covered State Road 62 by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association as the upstream water makes its way towards the river. Please make plans to come to Friendship via alternate routes. We expect the creek to be up and down for the next few hours, unpredictable will be the best way to describe it. So turn around and don’t drown! Be safe out there!

07/31/2026

Heads up for those who were planning to ride tomorrow! Be safe out there!

Unfortunately due to the forecast of rain and possible thunderstorms tomorrow, we have made the decision to cancel our UTV/Jeep ride. We plan to reschedule the dinner and the silent auction and will update when we have more details.

Thank you for your understanding and for supporting the SR Lady Raiders Basketball Program.

We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

07/22/2026

At approximately 15:40 on July 21, 2026, the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was dispatched for the report of a tree blocking Friendship Road in the 3600 Block South. That of course was one of the multiple trees that were broken off or downed during a thunderstorm that blew through Ripley County. The wind damaged extended from County Road 175 E, across 750 South, State Road 62, Friendship Road, County Road 300 South and into our Dearborn County Service area, Grelle Road over to Sangamaw Road. Thanks to Jeffries Farms for bringing the Bobcat along for tree removal. Widespread damage but minor, thank goodness. Be safe as everyone cleans up the limbs and trees.

07/20/2026

Last Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Ripley County Community Foundation stopped by the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. to drop off a grant award supporting the Fire Readiness & Resilience Grant Program that they administer for Ripley County. We would like to thank those who made this grant possible and the RCCF for managing the process. Our project is to replace tires on several our trucks. If you don't know, we are required to replace tires every 7 years to ensure they are safe as we respond to emergencies. Be safe out there!

07/20/2026

Mark your calendars and come out and support the Lady Raiders here at the firehouse!

We are getting close to our ride on 8/1/26. Sign up now to get your best value! Come support this awesome group of Lady Raiders!