Raising funds, awareness
By Olivia Neeley, The Wilson Daily Times, N.C. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"It's a job," said Contentnea Fire Chief
The preparation is for the fire department's annual barbecue sale, slated for Friday from
Several years ago, the department brought back the fundraiser, which was prevalent in the 1980s. And last year's fundraiser was a huge success, Matthews said.
"Last year we sold 17 whole hogs and ran completely out," he said. "The goal this year will be 20."
The turnout was so great last year, firefighters could barely keep up with the demand. But this year they've added more grills and more help, Matthew said.
"Our goal is to sell 2,000 plates," Matthews said.
Money raised from the barbecue sale will go toward several things, including the UNC Jaycee Burn Center. The fire department gives a monetary donation as well as supplies each year to the Burn Center. They also deliver those supplies.
"We have visited several times in the past, and this is truly a blessing to the victims and their families," Matthews said.
The sale also helps the department buy fire safety supplies to distribute at school events for kids when they do fire safety demonstrations.
Proceeds from last year's fundraiser also went toward helping children and families in need within the
Matthews said fundraisers also help Contentnea get its name out in the community to hopefully recruit new members.
"More members mean a better response and a better response means better fire protection," he said.
RENOVATIONS
They've also replaced worn equipment and have renovated the old fire station on
"We have also completely gutted out the bathrooms and kitchen, replaced the roof the gutters and added outside lighting," Matthews said.
They've also torn down an old storage building that was attached to the station. Recently, they also added a building that will be used for storage. And firefighters could be seen recently painting the outside of the fire station.
With the help of a state grant, the department will be buying a new jaws of life tool next spring. Matthews said while they've made a lot of changes to the appearance of the department, it goes much deeper.
"We operate totally different than even before," he said. "The whole mentality of the department has changed. The people have changed. Pretty new buildings, a fresh coat of paint and a sign in the yard doesn't make it a fire department. Hard work sacrifice and determination from 35 members does."
Matthew said in a meeting a few years ago, firefighters discussed how they wanted to raise the standards. They've since adopted that phrase as their motto.
"I would be willing to bet those words will even show up somewhere on our new (fire) truck," Matthews said.
A NEW FIRE TRUCK AND IOS RATING
Contentnea will get a new fire truck, which is scheduled to be delivered to the station by April. Matthews said they signed a contract with Pierce Manufacturing in July. They sold an older fire truck in January for
Officials said they set that money aside for their down payment on the new truck. The new fire truck will also help with the department's efforts to lowering its ISO rating. Insurance companies use those ratings to determine how much fire protection is available, and in return it gives them direction on how much to charge for homeowners insurance.
"It's an expensive purchase but an absolute must to make this happen," Matthew said referring to the rating. "By having this new truck we will more than double our current fire flow and increase the amount of water we are able to take with us."
In addition, the department has been keeping better records, testing their out their air packs, ladders and hoses each year, he said.
"We've also been doing inspecting and flowing hydrants in our district twice a year," he said. We have reached out to land owners in our district that have an accessible water source such as a pond that we can use if an emergency requires."
Officials said all of those things and more are looked at when inspectors come in to evaluate them. Certification and training plays a substantial part as well, officials said. The department has been working hard the past three years to lower the IOS rating, which is currently a 9.
In addition to that, Matthews has secured nearly
"We know we are going to have to buy certain equipment anyway throughout the year," he said. "Why not maximize your buying power and buy as much of it as we can through grants? The sooner we get this equipment, the sooner we can not only lower our insurance rating, but we can also better protect and serve the residents of the Contentnea fire district and surrounding areas."
Purchasing plates
Barbecue plates are
Tickets can be purchased online at contentneafire.com through PayPal. Officials said make sure you take your receipt when picking up plates. Folks can also purchase tickets by calling 230-8224 or 245-2375. The department is located at
[email protected] -- 265-7879
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(c)2014 The Wilson Daily Times (Wilson, N.C.)
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