The Snap-on Tool Bike is coming to the Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Company.
For fans of the Discovery Channel’s American Chopper, the Snap-on bike, built by Orange County Chopper, will be on display for visitors tomorrow, beginning at 4 p.m.
There will also be food, baked goods, shirt and hats available for visitors. Also, Q94 will be broadcasting from the event.
A $5 donation per person will be asked for at the door. All proceeds benefit the Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Department.
This event is the latest fundraising effort by the department to help raise money for a new truck.
The Bald Eagle Fire Company began Operation Community Rescue last December, sending letters to area businesses to help raise money for the new truck.
The need for a new truck came when Pennsylvania state laws changed, requiring that all firefighters ride inside an enclosement, prohibiting anyone from riding on the back of the trucks.
“It’s really a safety issue,” explained Scott Illig, Bald Eagle Fire Chief.
The company needs to raise $80,000 for a deposit, so that an order can be placed. The total cost of the truck will be $400,000. That seems like a steep price but Paul Morrison explained that is for a truck with the minimum requirements, just to be considered a fire rescue truck. It’s nothing fancy.
Members of the fire company have been working hard since December, putting together fundraising activities.
Volunteers gathered at Snappy’s on Mother’s Day to hold a flower sale and plan to continue with fundraisers throughout the summer. The company is planning several events, including car washes and an ongoing ice sale.
Illig said the ice sale is going well.
Ice is available all summer in front of the firehall, 24 hours a day. The cost is $1 per 10 pound bag.
“We’re still hoping for support from local businesses,” he added.
The company sent out over 4,000 letters to businesses and individuals in Snyder and Taylor Townships asking for support, but according to Illig, they have only received about a 15 percent response. To date, approximately $20,000 has been raised.
Illig said the company doesn’t want to go out and buy a truck before it has the funds.
“We don’t want to put all our money into a new truck and then have nothing left, trying to survive month to month,” he explained. “We don’t want to end up like Port Matilda.”
He said they are getting support from the municipalities and every little bit helps.
“We want to be able to afford this new truck, we want to be ready,” said Illig.
