The 46th annual “Fireman’s Benefit Dance” this weekend is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the New Hampton Fire Department.
Fire Chief Toby Schwickerath says past events have raised as much as $20,000, with proceeds from this Saturday (03.23) night’s festivities going towards future equipment and truck purchases, which have become increasingly pricey propositions.
The latest estimates for a new tanker truck could be around $600,000, which Schwickerath says has the department re-evaluating their firefighting strategy, both from an equipment and personnel approach.
Among the newest New Hampton fire fighting equipment is a drone, which Schwickerath says will aid in getting birds eye views of how big of an area a fire might cover and the direction the fire is headed.
If you’re headed to the Fireman’s Benefit Dance at the New Hampton Country Club Saturday night, tickets are $6. Doors open at 6 pm with prizes and a silent auction with the dance from 8 to midnight.
Learn more on the New Hampton Fire Department Facebook page.
