Campbell Hill Fire Department Runs Off Community Support

CAMPBELL HILL -- Many rural communities in our region depend on fundraising to persevere. In a Jackson County, one village's fire department has been self-funded for decades.

The Campbell Hill Picnic and Homecoming is hosting its annual fundraising event that has gone on for more than 50 years.

Picnic Chairman Charlie Hooks says all the money raised over the weekend is split between the American Legion and the volunteer fire department.

"Fundraising for the fire department and what they do and for equipment, and everything the legion does for the veterans and so forth and the schools," he says.

Unlike many fire departments, Campbell Hill is not run by the village, it's supported by the community.

"We get fire dues from each household. It's $30 a year," says Campbell Hill firefighter Dustin Vanover. "And then we have our picnics and fish fry and chicken fry."

Vanover says the department relies solely on fire dues, state grants, and fundraisers like this.

"It's our biggest fundraiser," he explains. "It helps us pay for our worker's comp, our insurance on our trucks, equipment, helps pay to keep everything modernized, so we can help somebody the best we can when we need to be."

Organizers say families come from all over to enjoy what the weekend has to offer. The three-day event is expected to generate thousands of dollars, while bringing Campbell Hill and it's surrounding communities together.

"Everything goes back to the community, but it takes the community to make this work," insisted Hooks.

Vanover adds, "Just something for all the firemen to get together and have a good time, you know? Most of the time it ain't good when we go somewhere, so we want to be able to get together and laugh and have a good time."

The festivities continue Sunday with a parade at 2 p.m., followed by a variety show and dance in the evening.

Source: http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/Campbell-Hill-Fire-Department-Runs-Off-Community-Support-217260091.html

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