Ellis Park receives water from local fire departments

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The city of Henderson posted on July 4, many of Henderson County’s volunteer fire departments as well as the City of Henderson Fire Department spent over seven hours responding to a critical water situation at Ellis Park.

According to Matt Pressley, General Manager of Ellis Park, due to low water levels in Ellis Park’s tower, the pumps could not function properly to deliver safe and potable water to the main Ellis Park facility.

Pressley said, “We made the difficult decision to run the races without fans in the stands so that the hundreds of horses, trainers, jockeys, staff, and others were assured the necessary amount of water they needed for showering, washing, and drinking.”

City officials say early in the morning, Pressley began calling local elected officials, which led to an initial response by Chief Brent Morrow and the Baskett Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). Shortly after, Chief Josh Dixon and the City of Henderson Fire Department joined to deliver water to the park’s tower so levels could rise high enough for the pump system to start functioning properly. Other VFDs from Niagara and Hebbardsville sent tankers and personnel to join in the efforts, while even more VFDs remained on standby to help as needed.

Officials explain after dozens of trips by at least six local pumpers and tankers, Henderson County and city fire departments helped deliver over 65,000 gallons of water to the tower. This effort restored levels to allow for Ellis Park to return to normal activities and to invite patrons to rejoin them as of the morning of July 5th.

Mayor Brad Staton said, “[Representative] Jonathan Dixon called me early in the morning and said that he and [County Judge/Executive] Brad Schneider had already been working to help and asked if there was anything we could do from the city’s side. All it took was one quick phone call to our Fire Chief [Josh Dixon], and those guys sprang into action. I’m so proud of their attitude! Their first reaction was to help. No matter what. And I can’t say enough about how much we all appreciate that.”

County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider shared, “I truly appreciate the response from our volunteer fire departments. It’s not surprising to me. They always want to help no matter what the situation. Even on a holiday, where the emergency takes them away from their families. I’m certain Ellis Park management is grateful as are local horseracing fans. We appreciate everybody’s help in getting fans back to Ellis Park.”

Chief Brent Morrow, Baskett VFD, added, “You just don’t see that in a whole lot of other places. The level of cooperation between the city and county fire departments here is outstanding. When guys know they can rely on each other during emergency situations, it benefits everyone who lives there.”

Officials say Chief Josh Dixon and Assistant Chief Chad Moore, Henderson Fire Department, both echoed those sentiments. They spoke highly of the level of collaboration between city and county fire departments as being as good if not better than it’s ever been.

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