Alva fire officials warn of scam

Aug. 30--ALVA -- Alva Fire Department is warning residents about a recent impersonation scam hitting the area.

Chief Kirk Trekell said an individual was called by someone impersonating an Alva firefighter. The caller asked for a donation and credit card information. Trekell said the individual did not provide the information, but was suspicious and notified authorities.

"We don't want anyone to give their credit card information to anyone, particularly someone who has the audacity to do it in the name of the Alva Fire Department," Trekell said. "We have a very caring and giving community, and they have been generous to our fire department throughout the years."

The department does solicit donations and sponsorships, Trekell said, most recently for the 12th annual Alva Fire Department Mud Run.

The 12th annual Mud-Slinger Shootout is presented in coordination with Ampride and El Maya Mexican Restaurant. The event is Sept. 10. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the run begins at noon at Woods County Fairgrounds in Alva. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

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Trekell said the mud run has been going on since 2007 and 2008. The event began as a way to raise funds for a ladder truck.

Trekell said when a member of the department approaches a business for sponsorship, they will be dressed in uniform. He said no one will ask for information over the phone.

"We have a lot of people who have made contributions out of the goodness of their heart without solicitations," Trekell said. "We don't want anyone falling victim to a scam or identity theft."

Trekell said if anyone wants to donate to the fire department, they may drop donations off at the station, 415 4th in Alva, or call (580) 327-2317. Trekell said donations helped the department purchase a ladder truck and lower its ISO score, which helps lower insurance premiums for its residents.

"About a year ago we went through an ISO investigation," he said. "We went from a class 5 ISO rating to a class 3, which is extremely good, and it benefits people with their insurance premiums because a lot of insurance companies base premiums off of an ISO rating.Through financial contributions, we've made tremendous improvements and we appreciate it, and it infuriates us when someone calls local people and solicits money in our name knowing that communities are generally caring and giving about the fire service and we don't want that tarnished."

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