Ahmeek’s fire department can always lend a hand to people in emergencies. But sometimes the department needs some help too. Ahmeek Fire & Rescue joined Copper Shores to participate in Giving Tuesday five years ago. And the funds raised since then have used funds to support the department matching the grants assistant fire chief Michael Defina can find. He says the department has minimal funding, and over the years Ahmeek has filled the gap with funds raised at their spaghetti dinners.
With this minimal funding, we struggle to purchase greatly needed tools and equipment that enhance operational efficiency and improve firefighter safety. We currently have several needs, capital purchases, that go unfunded because even if we receive grant funding, a match is required. uh One instance of that is a cargo trailer for a hazardous material support unit to carry all of our hazmat response and mitigation equipment. – Michael Defina, Assistant Fire Chief, Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department
Fire fighters do a lot in communities. Fighting house fires. Responding to vehicular accidents and medical emergencies. And volunteers often take time out of their evenings to complete training. But some departments help out with more than in only emergencies. Ahmeek’s 18 volunteer fire fighters have also supported improvements in the Gabriel Chopp Park, and previously housed the areas search and rescue equipment. In 2024 Giving Tuesday with Copper Shores raised 3,200 dollars to support the Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
