Music was playing, food was being enjoyed and the raffle sales were going steady when the call came in for assistance with a car crash. A group of firefighters suited up and headed out of town on the big rig.
When answering the call of duty, one never knows what the situation will be or how long it will last. Fortunately, on the night of Sept. 27, the Wittenberg Fire Department crew was back to the firehouse while the department’s annual fundraiser was still in progress.
Eight years ago, the fire department decided to host a fundraiser to purchase some new equipment. It’s now an annual event that not only raises money for special projects and needs for the organization, it also is an opportunity for the firefighters to connect with the communities they serve.
Parents took their children to see the fire trucks and get personal tours from the local firefighters who explained the functions of the trucks and the firehouse.
Thor Anderson has been a firefighter for 15 years, joining the department when he was 18. He enjoys the interaction with the children who attend the event.
“Kids love fire trucks and the lights and the big tools we use,” Anderson said. “I like teaching the kids that it’s serious work, but we also have fun helping people.”
Village board member Theresa Gatz also serves as a firefighter and as the liaison between the department and the board. The Wittenberg Fire and Ambulance Protective District covers the village and town of Wittenberg, village of Elderon and the Town of Franzen.
“We currently have 25 firefighters, and we’re always looking for new recruits,” said Gatz. “Most of our recruiting is by word of mouth.”
She said many of the firefighters grew up in the area and have had other family members serve in the department.
“It just becomes a family thing passed on from generation to generation,” Gatz said. “Some were career firefighters and retired but still had the passion for serving and helping people.”
