The Fentress County Volunteer Rescue Squad kicked off its annual picture fundraiser Thursday.
Rescue Squad Captain James Strong said the picture fundraiser is a long-standing tradition in Fentress County. Strong said a photography studio goes door to door to collect money from residents, and those who donate $30 or more can get an 8×5 family photo.
“The importance of donations for the rescue squad is it gives us the ability to be able to buy equipment for extrication, our rope gear, rope training,” Strong said. “It also helps us buy vehicles so we can get to the accident that occurs.
Strong said in past years, the fundraiser has raised some $10,000 for the rescue squad. He said this year, the goal is some $14,000, which will help purchase updated equipment.
Strong said money raised will also help with maintenance costs for squad vehicles, as well as the purchase of a new crash truck.
Strong said donations are a large part of the rescue squad’s funding, but it also receives county support. Strong said this funding is a big deal.
“It helps contribute to being able to do vehicle extrications, rope rescues, cave rescues,” Strong said. “It also helps to help the community if we need to help them.”
Strong said his rescue squad may be volunteer, but they still play a big role in emergency response. He said they are responsible for incidents like severe crashes where people are injured.
“If somebody’s lost, we will go out and help try to find the person that is lost,” Strong said. “And we also help with area community stuff.”
The donations for this fundraiser are collected door to door. Strong said the rescue squad does a couple other fundraisers each year, including the annual road block event.
This year, Strong said the rescue squad plans to put QR codes on some of their vehicles so people can donate online by scanning the code.
