Fremont - Most of the volunteer firefighters in Fremont say this was a first: serving, delivering and baking pizzas.
"It's pretty fun, it's pretty fun," says firefighter Scott Tyink. "Got new respect for back here in the kitchen, that's for sure."
Putting the Fremont firefighters to work in Spanky's Pizza Shop was owner Michelle Burt's idea.
She is donating 10% of all sales Tuesday night to help the department.
"Of course they need help," exclaims Michelle. "They are volunteers. They all have day time jobs."
Management says they have many more customers than usual for a Tuesday night because people are coming to support the firefighters.
"It's a good dinner and to support the fire department," says guest Barbara Buitendorp. "You can't beat that."
"They have helped us out in so many ways," says guest Nina Jo Wallace. "I was in a car accident and they helped me."
Guests also get to ring a bell when they stuff money into a large, empty water jug.
The fire chief says money raised will go for extras.
"Certain needs and want," says Fremont Fire Chief Rusty Boeskoll. "Things not in our budget. We'll put it toward fire prevention."
Along with the pizza and breadsticks, the first 200 customers also received a free smoke detector.
They were donated by Ace Hardware in Fremont.
It's obviously something everyone should have in their homes at this time," says hardware store manager Mark Westcott. "Especially at this time when we are starting our wood stoves and fires."
The fire fighter's percentage of food sales plus tips, donations and a matching grant from a Fremont accounting firm raised $1,856 for the department.
"We have a lot of support in this community," says the fire chief. "Happy about that. It shows people are behind us."
Phil Dawson
In your voice
