The annual fundraiser by the Seal Cove Fire Department had two days of sunshine, many people, and lots of fun, an event which raised $5487.00 (a thousand dollars more than last year).
Events kicked off on Friday morning with a community breakfast ($600.00) followed by softball at the ball field with mixed teams: young and old of both sexes on the same team, all in all a recipe for fun.
On Saturday steaming bowls of pea soup were served to about 125 people, and many more bowls were delivered around the community, an effort which raised about $1300.00. This was followed by games of chance, “jail”, and pie in the face of a firefighter. Local “cop” Wilson Loveless handcuffed just about everyone in the hall (it cost $2.00 to have someone jailed) and escorted them to the jail, much to the delight of the crowd.
In the evening a huge crowd turned out for the concert, a fun filled event of songs, skits, and a beauty contest (firefighter’s dressed in women’s clothes) that elicited howls of laughter each time a beauty strutted into the hall and walked among the crowd.
Fire Chief Carl Loveless and his crew ( 33 men and five firettes ) kept events running smoothly, and afterwards Mr. Loveless thanked all for their support including people from other communities and businesses in the area which donated items for their ticket sales. Then he detailed some of the progress since last year’s fundraiser.
“We bought six new bunker suits – everything from the hat down to the boots – at a cost of $9000.00, and this year we have to purchase two-way radios so the firefighters at the scene can communicate with the chief and his deputy who are directing from the outside. We also have a need for more air tanks and breathing apparatus.”
“I also have to announce, “ Mr. Loveless continued, “ that firefighter Albert Loveless went to Grand Falls for a week and Marystown for a week, and he now has Firefighter Status Level I. And Albert did four days in Harbour Breton, two days on defensive firefighting and two days on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). In the fall of this year Albert will do five days of hazardous materials training in Gander after which he will write two exams and receive his Red Seal Certification which is recognized worldwide. Furthermore, he will do a two-day instructor’s course so he can bring all the members up to defensive firefighting status and up on SCBA.”
It is because of the commitment of the 38 members and the support of their townspeople that the Seal Cove Volunteer Fire Department can confidently serve their community.
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