PA Firefighters Turn to Mugs Instead of Event for Money

Instead of hosting its annual carnival this week, the Hegins Valley Fire Rescue is selling beverage mugs and has been holding dinners to boost coffers.

Chief Chad Richards showed samples of the $6 glass mugs Friday at the fire station. The fire department’s main source of fundraising held annually at Hegins Park, the carnival was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re going to lose between $20,000 and $25,000,” Richards said.

The 200 mugs, which were ordered well in advance of the event, feature the June 10-13, 2020, canceled date, as well as the fire company name and an image of the Red Thin Line Flag, in remembrance of firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty.

Richards said HVFR made the decision to cancel in May.

“We had to go by what the governor put out at the time, and think about if people were going to be comfortable wearing a mask and social distancing while at the carnival,” Richards said. “It will go on next year.”

Carnival supporters will miss out on entertainment like Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods, Toolshed Jack, Sapphire and D.J. Dan Poletti; parade, games and food vendors.

Although the fire department “doesn’t spend foolishly,” Richards said HVFR will have to be stricter with its budgeting due to the loss of income. In the meantime, the department will apply for emergency services relief funds when the application becomes available to submit.

The fire department receives a $4,000 donation from Hegins Township, and also receives a portion of Barry Township’s annual firemen’s relief fund, he said.

Richards also presented a proposed billing ordinance Wednesday that he would like Hegins Township supervisors to adopt. The ordinance would help HVFR get insurance company reimbursement for the incidents where it responds. HVFR uses Pennsylvania Fire Recovery as its billing agency.

“Some of the insurance companies are asking for a billing ordinance before they let the funds go,” Richards said.

HVFR responds to an average of 100 calls annually and has about 60 members, including 20 (fire-line) firefighters, life members, active members and junior members.

Richards said the fire department dinners have been held this spring and through this month, but will probably halt in July and August, before resuming again in the fall. The meals are available for pre-orders and curbside pickup.

To order a mug, call 570-985-3714 or 570-653-1261; or visit the HVFR Facebook page for details on upcoming dinners.

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