NORTH FORK – With the stressful fire season we’ve had this year, everyone wants to support our firefighters. There’s one way to do it that would really make a difference – become part of the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department (NFVFD) Auxiliary.
The NFVFD Auxiliary started in 2003 with 17 people who saw a need in the community to financially support our volunteer fire department – Station 11 – in terms of equipment, training, and the big project – a new fire station.
Over the years, the number of financial supporters has grown to over 120 people. However, the number of active members who come to meetings, help plan, and participate in activities has dropped from 17 to less than 10. The NFVFD Auxiliary is in need of a few more committed folks who want to help keep our volunteer fire department thriving.
The purpose of the NFVFD Auxiliary is to support the local station with system improvements and raise the awareness of the community about the many services and needs of Station 11 North Fork.
Fundraising programs include the annual tri-tip BBQ, reflective house number sign program, sale of tee-shirts and hats, and the annual membership drive. The Auxiliary also sponsored the first four Chili Cook-offs in North Fork.
Over the years, the Auxiliary has utilized the generous contributions from the community – over $110,000 – to purchase medical bags, trauma kits, airbags to lift heavy objects (at an accident or structure fire), stabilizer jacks, a 4,000 gallon portable water tank, GPS systems and a thermal imagining camera. They have also contributed over $70,000 toward the new fire station, and funded any training for our volunteer firefighters that was not paid for by the County.
Support your local volunteer firefighters – Join the Auxiliary and make a difference! The next meeting is Monday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the CDC Office at the Old Mill Site. Everyone is welcome.
