“This is how we pay for our fuel, insurance, maintenance, our trucks, and buildings, how we purchase our gear, it’s for everything,” said Chief Charles Holt.
CENTER POINT, Texas — In Texas, when the rivers rise, so do we. That was one of the mottos at a fundraiser Saturday in Center Point.
First responders, as well as the community, rallied together for the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire Chief Charles Holt says when the floods hit Center Point, the fire station was flooded with nearly eight feet of water, destroying all of their equipment.
“Everything but our trucks. We were out saving people that morning, so we’re very fortunate we didn’t lose those,” said Charles Holt.
To make matters financially worse, the VFD normally holds an annual fundraiser on July 12, but Chief Holt says that didn’t happen this year because of the floods and aftermath.
So others stepped in to help, including U.S. Foods and the Mason Volunteer Fire Department who hosted a BBQ fundraiser Saturday.
The event included fundraisers like auctions and live music, helping the department as they continue to recover.
“We know how important these fundraisers are. You know these big cities have fire departments, we rely on volunteers, and we rely on community funds and grants. So when you have a total loss of a fundraiser for the annual budget, that hits pretty hard,” said Jenna Jacoby, Mason Fire Department.
Jacoby says when she saw the damage the Center Point VFD experienced, she wanted to help.
Jacoby says she works for U.S. Foods, who agreed to supply the food.
“I called my president, I called my fire chief and his wife, and said if I can get the food covered, can you all do the cooking? It was born, and our entire fire department has been here since midnight last night. They’ve been cooking,” said Jacoby.
Jacoby says it’s the community that also came together with donations, including the music, to make the fundraiser happen.
Both Chief Holt and organizers praised the community for coming out to support the department in their time of need.
“This is how we pay for our fuel, our insurance, maintenance on our trucks and buildings, how we purchase gear. It’s for everything,” said Chief Holt.
Chief Holt also says after everything they have been through, it was nice to hear music instead of helicopters and chainsaws, calling the event heartfelt.