Hanover VFD hosts inaugural Open House
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Before the lunch rush: Hanover VFD volunteers hang out in the station during the department’s first Open House. Photo submitted
A potential future firefighter, youth at the event enjoyed sitting in the driver seat of Hanover’s Engine 3. Photo submitted
Special to the News
Submitted by Heather Babecki, HVFD public information officer
Last Saturday, October 7, was an absolutely gorgeous day in Hanover – a perfect day for the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department’s Inaugural Open House and Raffle Drawing, with the department planning to make it an annual event.
Set-up at the station began about 8 a.m., and by 11 a.m., the wonderful aroma of hamburgers and hot dogs wafted through the air.
HVFD members Dan Cina and Joe Jones served as grill masters for the event. A hamburger or two hot-dog plate, with chips and drink, were available for a donation of only $5. One HVFD firefighter’s daughter set up a lemonade stand, selling classic lemonade and flavored variations of, with proceeds collected by her being donated to Children’s Hospital Of Alabama.
There was a large turn out of families from Hanover and surrounding communities. There were also visits from other area first responders and local politicians supporting the fundraiser.
Engine 3, Hanover’s classic 1993 Pierce Dash fire engine, was the star of the show for children attending the event. These potential future volunteers explored the exciting big red truck inside and out. Filled with questions and smiles, they were allowed to sit in the driver’s seat with a real fire helmet on and imagine themselves racing down the road complete with the sound effects children make of sirens, engine sounds and screeching of tires, racing to fight an imaginary inferno.
At 12:30 the raffle drawing was announced. Hanover Chief Verlon Quesenberry brought out a locked acrylic raffle drum filled with more than 200 ticket stubs. Quesenberry selected three excitedly volunteering young lades from the crowd to draw one ticket each from the drum in turns.
The owner of the first ticket received a Weatherby 12-gauge shotgun. The second ticket netted an AR-15 style 308 rifle. A third ticket was drawn for a free hamburger at the event; however, the named winner of this incredible culinary prize was unavailable to claim it. Perhaps a rain check next year!
Speaking of next year, officers from Hanover Fire said they had learned a great deal logistically from their first open house:
“Next year we are going to be more efficient. We have a bit more insight on how to improve the experience for those who come out to support us,” said Deputy Chief Heather Babecki. “It’s going to be the little things such as holding back extra raffle tickets for purchase on the day of the event and better date planing, so our open house is not held on the same day as other big events going on in Coosa County. We always want it to be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.”
The goal of the open house was to raise funds for the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department and provide fellowship for the community and county as a whole. HVFD leadership stated this year’s open house was a tremendous success and exceeded expectations.
Plans are already being made for the 2024 Hanover Volunteer Fire Department Second-Annual Open House. HVFD also looks forward to having winter events during the remainder of 2023 and early 2024.
All Coosa County fire departments need volunteers from the community. If you would like to help in any way, or give financial support, please contact your community fire department today.
