Albany Fire & Rescue

Posted June 10, 2015 at 6:37 pm

fundraiser still underway

One of the most important first responders for both Albany and Clinton County is the all volunteer Albany Fire Department, and considering the cost it takes to keep a department upgraded and ready for emergencies, all type of equipment, large to small is needed.

The Albany Fire and Rescue is currently in its annual fundraising event to help gain a few thousand dollars to help fund the basic equipment needed for firefighters, that being the annual portrait fundraiser.

The 12th annual fundraiser began on May 18 and will continue through the middle of next week, as representatives from the studio in charge of seeking donations and handling the picture taking continue to go door-to-door giving residents a chance to not only “buy” photos, but help the fire department with a donation as well as receiving a free 8×10 portrait to boot.

According to Albany Fire Chief Robert Roeper, the department is using a new photo studio this year out of eastern Kentucky, formerly called Master Artist Studios. Representatives from that company are doing the door-to-door solicitations with letters stating who they are for authenticity.

Residents who make a donation of $30 or more can receive a free 8×10 portrait.

Once the door-to-door solicitations are complete, the company will phone those who made donations, informing them of the time and date of the photo shoot and give them the option of buying additional photo packages.

The dates and times will be announced later, but the portraits will be taken this year at the new Albany Fire Station on Bobby Grant Drive between the Wellness Center and EMS/Air Evac building in north Albany.

Last year, the department raised approximately $3,000 and used the funds for new fire hose nozzles, at a cost up to $900 each, axes and other items used routinely in fire fighting.

This year, the funds will be used for start-up money for another bus truck, which will cost into the thousands of dollars, according to Roeper.

Although many residents have the perception that the fire department is totally self-sufficient due to the fire dues charged to city and county residents, Reoper said the cost of operating the department and keeping equipment in working order, not to mention new equipment needed at times, was very high. The city also pays the county over $30,000 per year for emergency dispatching, part of which comes from both the Albany Police and Fire Department.

Anyone wishing to have the opportunity to have their photos taken, but are not contacted by a representative, can come by the fire department at the times of the photo sessions and be worked in. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation–with or without a portrait–can mail it to Albany Fire Department, 204 Cross St. Albany, Ky. 42602.