WLB Fire Company No. 1 Holds Fundraiser

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West Long Branch: Fire Company # 1 held a successful fundraiser on Saturday as the firehouse filled with stock car enthusiasts. Featured guests were the cars drivers, owners, and pit mechanics, each with a story to tell. Volunteers drove their flatbed tow trucks to carry the vintage wheels to the first event ever at the firehouse. Plenty of locals showed up as well to support the event.

“We have 12 or 13 guys in the department who have been drivers or pit crew members and they are her with family and friends,” said Chief Rich Cooper. He is an ex-driver, and had a great time saying hello to many old friends from his earlier days. {{more}}

“In fact I got the idea for this race cars exhibition from enjoying the events like this that were held in Manasquan, at the firehouse there. I really enjoyed them years ago,” he said.

Two Fire Chief SUVs were used to shuttle guests back and forth from the Monmouth University lot so space could be reserved for seniors and those less able to get around. The fire trucks were outside as well.

The event featured stock car racing films provided by from Fillimon Brothers Racing Video. The announcers from Wall Stadium and Jackson were at the microphone calling the races played out on the screen. It was as if everyone were at the track itself, at least from that viewpoint. The announcers knew the cars and the drivers on the films, which added to the fun of their presentations.

Admission was modest: $10 for all the hot dogs, great chili – hot on the palate but great- and soda and other beverages. The Ladies Auxiliary set out a table of excellent baked cookies, fudge, chocolate cakes and other sweet tooth tempters.

The Ladies Auxiliary helped with great sweet treats and with the 50-50s. In the photo, Paula Russo, Alice Griffin, Eleanor Hagerman and Linda Cooper.

There were 50-50s and drawings to beef up the financials, and they had lots of takers.
The camaraderie was abundant. The tales of yesterday’s wins complemented the renewed friendships. The racers, their teams and local residents made for a nice get together.

Models of the cars were on display, some given out to youngsters, while others were handled with kid gloves by the older gentry. Racing magazines from long ago and plaques of victories bedecked the walkways around the floor where fire trucks usually rest awaiting an alarm to be sounded.

“It looks good. A little less visitors than we hoped for,” said Cooper. “I am okay with the turnout. For a first time, it went well. Next time will be even better as folks hear about this one for future events.”

Proceeds will benefit the firehouse building fund for Fire Department No. 1. The department owns the building and is responsible for maintenance and improvements. Residents support the department with donations. “It’s all done with donations and fundraisers,” Cooper reminded.

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