Box 14 Helps First Responders in Need Across Clinton County

"I'm so proud of our businesses in Clinton County, our civic groups in Clinton County, and our citizens that have really backed us in donations and [other support]," stated Neil Rhonemus, President of Box-14, a nonprofit committed to bringing resources to first responders.

Neil has lived in the same location in Clinton County for "all but two years of [his] life." He has always been a farmer, but spent some time as a volunteer fireman before he began having children.

According to Neil, the creation of Box 14 was inspired by a "grain bin incident" in Port William. He shared that Box 65, Pickaway County's first responder aid, came to the rescue on a cold, March day to aid first responders from freezing temps while they rescued a man from a grain bin.

This led a group to join together and create a box for Clinton County. The nonprofit paperwork was filed in October of 2024 and the group purchased a resource vehicle by the next spring. Due to a "generous donation" from ATSG Charitable Foundation, Box 14 purchased a retired squad from the Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District.

The name, "Box," refers to any piece of equipment in the first responder field and the number 14 represents Clinton County, as it is present on all Clinton County license plates.

Neil shared that the goal of the boxes is to "extend the shelf life of first responders" on a call by providing things like hydration, snacks, gloves, socks, heaters, and more.

Box 14 is called in by the incident command when first responders are responding to calls in times of extreme weather, long durations, and other situations. Neil stated, "It's important that those responders don't get burned out and we support them and aid them so they can go back to work and home healthy and safe."

As of February of 2026, Box 14 has made seven responses. Neil shared that their first response was to a large storage unit fire in Blanchester. The group provided water, coffee, and snacks to the first responders.

Neil shared that the group has 34 active members and is always looking for more volunteers. He stated, "I just want to stress we're here to serve those that serve... and I personally am so thankful for the volunteers we have."

To learn more about Box 14, visit their Facebook page at fb.com/Unit.BOX14.