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Kelly Carrico Brings Passion and Progress to Union Township as Trustee
- Logan Foster
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Republican Kelly Carrico Brings Passion and Progress to Union Township as Trustee
Date: 04/05/25
Author: Logan Foster
Union Township’s Republican Trustee, Kelly Carrico, has quietly transformed her community since taking office in January 2023. Carrico’s tenure highlights a rare blend of vision and pragmatism, reflecting Republican values in her approach to governance.
What is a Township Trustee?
To understand Carrico's influence, it’s important to grasp the role she occupies. A township trustee is, at its core, a steward of local needs. Their duties often include providing fire protection, managing township assistance for residents facing financial hardships, maintaining cemeteries, and overseeing public funds to ensure responsible spending. The job, while administrative, deeply impacts the day-to-day lives of residents.
Carrico explains this responsibility, stating: "State law requires that all trustees provide fire protection for their townships," but her role doesn’t stop there. “I oversee all the financials for the township and their tax dollars, ensuring we’re not just managing funds, but also serving the community with the resources they need.”
Carrico's Passion for Fire Protection
Carrico’s path to the trustee’s office wasn’t generic. It was deeply personal, shaped by a history entwined with fire service. "...(my) father was a former volunteer for Centre Township. I had an older brother that had been a volunteer also at Centre Township and then when I got married my husband was a volunteer here at Lakeville Fire Department and since then now I have two sons that serve as career firemen here in St. Joe County so that was a real passion for me..." Carrico describing her family connection to fire service.
“When I was sitting on the board before I became trustee, I saw insufficient funds for our fire department. Our volunteers didn’t have proper gear, training, or career support. I realized we needed change,” says Carrico. That realization inspired her decision to run for office.
Meaningful Changes Under Carrico's Leadership
Carrico’s biggest accomplishment as trustee has been her overhaul of the fire department’s structure and funding. When she took office, the financially strapped fire department was heavily reliant on aging volunteers, and what she described as "toxic internal dynamics." "Our average volunteer was 57 years old, and most had little medical training, which is critical as 80% of calls are medical,” Carrico explains.
Through sheer determination, the Republican Trustee spearheaded an appeal to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) for increased funding. Originally denied, Carrico wouldn’t accept no. “I took their denial and rebutted it, sentence by sentence, explaining why Union Township’s stagnant funding put lives at risk. I don’t take no for an answer when it comes to my community.” Her persistence paid off. The township’s fire budget increased an extraordinary 250%(+/-), climbing from approximately $190,000 to $672,000.
That increase allowed Union Township to restructure its fire services, introducing six full-time firefighters for 24/7 coverage (each shift having at least 1 EMT-certified firefighter.) Volunteers remain a vital part of the team, and the cohesion she’s fostered between career and volunteer staff has rejuvenated morale. “It’s really a brotherhood now,” Carrico says proudly.
These changes have had tangible results. Response times have dropped from 14 minutes to an impressive 8 minutes. Carrico recounts one instance where the quick action of her fire crew saved a neighbor’s home from total destruction. "Because of their quick response, the home was only partially damaged, and it’s already been rebuilt," she says. Moments like these, she notes, validate her efforts. "When you call 911, you need to know help is coming. That’s what drives me.”
Beyond Fire Services
Carrico’s leadership extends beyond fire protection. She has initiated programs to address broader needs within her community. One such program, a partnership with Cultivate and the St. Joe County Health Department, provides monthly food distributions to residents. “We’ve distributed over 300 meals in one event alone,” she recalls. Surplus food goes to nearby food banks to keep the support flowing beyond Union Township’s borders.
Carrico has also helped families directly, ensuring basic utilities and resources for those in financial crisis. She remembers one resident vividly. "A woman came in with a husband who couldn’t work, kids at home, and an electric bill about to be shut off in midwinter. We were able to prevent disconnection, reduce her bill, and connect her with resources like food stamps and a government phone. Seeing her relief and knowing her family stayed warm was unforgettable."
Navigating Adversity
Carrico’s leadership hasn’t been without challenges. "This community doesn’t handle change well,” she admits. “But as I always say, in business, change is vital. You’ve got to have the right structure, the right funding, and the right people to provide services that truly benefit everyone.” Her pragmatic and determined approach reflects the Republican Party’s belief in progress through stewardship and accountability.
She’s faced criticism, even hostility, but Carrico remains resolved. “You can’t allow every opinion to discourage you,” she says. A quote hanging on her wall guides her outlook: Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality. "You have to stay focused on your goals, even when others don’t see what you see."
Learn More About Union Township and the Services They Offer
Union Township's Website Social Media - Facebook Phone Number: 574-784-3110 Location: 117 South Main Street, Lakeville, Indiana 46536 Hours:**From their website: "Anyone needing township assistance can contact the Trustee at (574)784-3110.
This number is monitored daily, if no answer please leave a message.
Township assistance is done by appointment only.
Trustee does not have set office hours but is in the office throughout the week as needed."