The Townsend Firemen’s Wives was originally established as an auxiliary organization to provide financial support for the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department.
For decades, this group of devoted members played an outsized roll in bolstering firefighting capabilities. However, TFW recently embraced the idea that all community members, not just firefighters’ families, should be included.
In keeping with this premise, TFW has been renamed Friends of Townsend Fire (FOTF). Its mission remains the same: assisting the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and the communities they serve. In that regard, FOFT recently obtained a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt designation to facilitate fundraising and foster broader community support. The change takes effect Jan. 1.
Wanda Laste, chair of the FOTF board of directors, called this a very welcome change.
“This is an exciting time as we expand our membership and fundraising opportunities,” she said. “With the anticipated increased support, we can better provide safe, state-of-the-art equipment needed in a fire emergency.”
Fire Chief Dawn Herlache noted that most volunteer fire departments must raise money to pay for equipment and training.
“Having a group like the Friends of Townsend Fire supporting us is essential to having the resources we need to do our jobs safely and effectively,” she said.
Current fundraising activities will help pay for a new fire engine on order from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton. FOTF has pledged $60,000 toward the unit. The group will also fund continuing education for firefighters to ensure their safety and preparedness.
FOFT membership is open to anyone 18 or older. To join or learn more about how you can help, email FOTF@friendsoftownsnedfire.org, visit www.friendsoftownsendfire.org or like Friends of Townsend Fire on Facebook.
Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Friends of Townsend Fire, P.O. Box 129, Townsend, WI 54175.
Townsend Fire Department auxiliary changes name
