To the Editor:

Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company Inc. was established in 1938 by a few brave men in a small farming community in the Hilltowns of the Capital Region of New York. A local businessman donated a small piece of property to the fire company for a one-bay firehouse to be built.

Only a few years later, in the 1940s, the same businessman, Mr. Hannay, donated another piece of his land to the fire company so it could grow and add a second bay. This same firehouse is still being used today and is still the primary Station 1 for Westerlo Fire.

We currently tightly squeeze two of our main pieces of fire apparatus in this firehouse. We are a busy fire company, serving a very large square mileage and have 80 volunteer members proudly serving their community. To say we have outgrown this station is an understatement.

After almost 85 years of using this station, Westerlo Volunteer Fire is in dire need of a new building. Due to the current location, the years of damage and decay, and the small size of our station, we are currently working with our town to build a new firehouse.

So Westerlo Fire has been continually fundraising for a new building.

On Oct. 16, Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a Basket Raffle/Auction and we are reaching out in hopes companies may donate an item for us to raffle off. We are a not-for-profit organization, so all donations would be tax deductible.

Thank you for any consideration and support you may give to helping out our Local Fire/Rescue Heroes.

Samantha Filkins

Chairwoman

Debra Filkins

Co-chairwoman

Fundraising Committee

Westerlo Volunteer

Fire Company