Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By IAN MINIELLY
KIMBALL — The volunteer fire department in Kimball purchased over 45 turkeys, which was 900 frozen pounds of meat. By the time the fundraiser was over Sunday, Chief John Smith expected the food would be gone and department would have around $8,500 in new funds to buy equipment.
The fire department plans to buy a new 5 gas meter, which is used to determine air quality. Smith said it can also be used on the body’s of firemen after leaving a burning building to check if they have accumulated any toxic substances on their equipment or clothing while fighting the fire. The 5 gas meter is expected to increase the safety of the department and hopefully limit exposure to potential cancer causing agents firefighters come in contact with.
Besides the frozen turkeys, the fire department and its volunteers also prepared 600 pounds of potatoes, 6 cases of corn, green beans, and cranberries, and another 100 pounds of bread for stuffing. The number of volunteers preparing the feast topped 35 and was enhanced with local 4-H members achieving some of their community service time.
The Kimball Volunteer Fire Department, according to Smith, has 18 members, but many retired members and their spouses show up for the fundraiser, which makes it more than a fund raiser and a giant family affair.
