Weather good for firefighter fundraiser

Randy Mitchell Staff Writer

Ada July 25, 2008 03:59 pm

— Forecasters are predicting sunny skies and warm temperatures for Saturday and Sunday, which is good news for those who will attend the first Pontotoc County Fire Association Fundraiser. The event will have lots of fun activities for everybody, said John Roan, captain of the Byng volunteer fire department and fundraising coordinator.
Roan said the event kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. with a banquet and silent and live auction. A country style buffet with brisket, chicken, ham and vegetables will be served. Lawn mowers, weed eaters, a truck tool box, quilts, lots of tools and many, many other items will be available during the auctions.
Price for the banquet is $40 per person or two for $50 and includes admission to Sunday’s outdoor concert. On Sunday, a concert and family day begins at 2 p.m. Plenty of games and rides will be available for kids of all ages including moonbounces, waterslides and concessions. A junked car was donated and firefighters will be doing demonstrations with the Jaws of Life. Several fire trucks will be on hand and Eagle-Med will have a helicopter on sight and be taking memberships and will donate a portion to PCFA.
Bands and singers for the concert will include Clancy Davis, Jagg, 44 East, Jason Stringfellow and the Ordinary Outlaws, Local Neighborhood Outlaws, Lonely Highway, Dizzy Down Band and Blair Boggs. All money raised will go towards a new communication system for all Pontotoc County volunteer fire departments.
Chad Letellier, vice president of the PCFA, said county volunteer fire departments are in need of a new radio communications system. Their current “Repeater system” is being loaned to them and is inadequate to cover the county. It will cost approximately $50,000 for the upgraded system.
“Communication plays a vital role in achieving an accurate and quick response to an emergency,” Letellier said. “Communication can mean life or death to a citizen or firefighter. It determines the level of efficiency in which any emergency or fire can be attacked safely.”
“Most of the Pontotoc County fire departments have trained first responders. Many hours of training and work as firefighters are done without compensation. Supporters of volunteer departments have contributed time, effort and money toward bake sales and bean suppers to keep departments functioning, but all this generosity and commitment can’t achieve this goal without some serious help,” he said.
Roan said tickets are available from him or at the door and a dance will be held after the banquet and auction if time permits. Dameon Allensworth, who was slated to attend, had a scheduling conflict and will be unable to attend, Roan said. He is inviting everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities and help support area fire departments. For more information phone 421-5739.

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