The annual Alliance Volunteer Fire Department Honorary Membership Drive is is underway.

Donations may be sent to the fire department at 315 Cheyenne Avenue.

“Any amount entitles the donor to be an honorary member of our department,” said Fire Chief Troy Shoemaker.

“This is our major fund raising event and provides us with the means to make it easier to serve our community,” he added.

This past year, members of the AVFD responded to 789 calls. Training and education exceeded 3,000 man-hours.

The volunteers also can be seen giving fire prevention talks and demonstrations to business groups, schools, and service organizations. Firefighters have also taught first aid and CPR classes, and do extensive work in schools during fire prevention week in October. They also are on stand-by service at football games, motocross races, the July fireworks display at Laing Park, rodeos, and wrestling tournaments.

Currently, there are 47 members on the squad.

“Volunteers would not be able to assist the community if it were not for their boss’s care and concern to allow them time away from their jobs to respond to fire and rescue calls,” Shoemaker explained.

Employers, firefighters and honorary members are invited to the fire department’s annual dinner on Friday, February 1 at the Fire Hall. Social hour at 6 pm, with dinner to be served at 7 pm. You are invited to bring your spouse, or a friend or two.

Three awards will also be presented: Boss of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Veteran of the Year.