WAPWOLLOPEN — Slocum Township Volunteer Fire Company is a one-hundred percent volunteer-run fire company that keeps the community safe and supported.
When asked about the bond between the staff members, Assis. Chief Ron Burd regards it as “a second family, constantly supporting one another”.
Helping neighbors and giving back to the community, while also getting lots of love back, is something that keeps the fire company thriving and looking ahead to the future.
While primarily handling serious emergencies in town, the fire company also often hosts fundraisers that involve the community and support the company’s mission. They often have food-related events, bingo nights, tickets for Knoebels for sale, and more to help support the company’s activities, such as maintenance on their trucks and equipment, daily average costs of running the fire company, running their fundraising events, and more.
The fundraising event with the most attendance is the Bazaar, which is happening in July. “It brings that sense of community back; everyone gets together,” Burd mentions about the bazaar.
Although they cannot do what they do without those in their community, they appreciate any and all support from volunteers.
“You don’t need to fight fires, different odd and end jobs, big or small, make an impact,” Burd says. “Even an hour of your time, any little bit of help makes a difference.”
“Community support means everything, without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Vice President Brianna Burford says. “We always need people for smaller events and help with prepping the day of events.”
Burford also expressed the importance of supporting local volunteer fire companies whenever possible, and giving back helps the company with rising costs and continuing what they do.
The most rewarding thing about volunteering at the fire company, according to Burd and Treasurer Scott Makowski, is “helping your neighbor” and “giving back to the community.”
To keep in contact about events, follow the Slocum Township Volunteer Fire Company on Facebook and send them a message for more info, food/event orders, or if you’re interested in volunteering.
Lists of Future Events:
• Spring Potato Pancake Sale — orders are due by Tuesday, March 10, and pickup is on Saturday, March 14, from 3 – 7 p.m.
• Knoebels Tickets — $20 Book of Tickets for $20 with $5 going towards the Volunteer Fire Company. Orders are due by Friday, March 27, and pickup is on Friday, April 3, from 3 – 7 p.m.
• Spring Pasty Sale — Orders are due by Sunday, March 22, and pickup is on Sunday, March 29, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Annual Lenten Fish Supper — Preorders are due by March 30, and the sale is on April. 3 from 4 – 7 p.m.
• Hot Hoagie Sale — Preorders are due by Monday, April 20, and pickup is on Saturday, April 25, from 1 – 4 p.m.
• Cornhole Tournament — Event takes place Saturday, July 18. Registration is from 9 – 10 a.m., and the tournament starts at 10 a.m.
• Fireworks — Saturday, July 18 at 10 p.m.
• Annual Slocum Township Fire Co. Bazaar — Event is 6 – 11 p.m. on July 17 and 18, and 2- 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The parade starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.
