TOWN OF EVANS NY --- You won’t have to look far to find Evans Center Firefighters in the community in the month of October.

More than a dozen firefighters and fire explorers were present in uniform at the Lake Shore Middle School on Monday-October 1 to support “Rachel’s Legacy” presented by Mr. Darrell Scott. Mr. Scott’s daughter Rachel was the first student killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. The fire company was there to support the school’s initiatives of promoting tolerance, non-violence and caring community service and to be positive role models for the students.

Firefighters then spent Sunday-October 7 promoting Cradle Beach Camp’s Annual Harvest Dinner, handing out fire prevention and recruitment information while giving free fire engine rides to more than 100 people, including “kids” of all ages. Evans Center proudly protects the lakefront camp for disadvantaged children and brought their own kind of rain to Cradle Beach’s Sunshine Days sponsored by the Town of Evans Lions Club and the Kenmore Rotary this past summer. Firefighters used their fire engine to create a water curtain to cool off the kids. They then treated the kids and staff to fire engine rides, complete with lights and sirens. All of the smiles indicated the fire engine was a huge hit with everyone.

The fire company will host a fund-raiser titled “Just Reubens” on Friday, October 12 from 11am-3pm at their fire station. The take-out only meals include a corn beef sandwich, pickle and chips for just $7. Citizens and businesses can phone in their orders to 549-1221 on the day of the sale.

Firefighters will be helping to raise money for another great cause on Sunday, October 14 when they cook their famous chicken barbeque for the Franciscan Center run by Fr. Joe Bayne, Chief Chaplain of Emergency Services for Erie County. Located at 1910 Seneca Street in South Buffalo, the center provides emergency and transitional care for young men in need. The fund-raiser is hosted by the Elma Fire Company at 2945 Bowen Road in the Town of Elma from noon until sold out and offers large item and Chinese auctions.

Three days later, Evans Center will host an open house at their Erie Road Firehouse to highlight Fire Prevention Week and their new recruitment campaign based on varying themes of: “The next time you hear a siren; see flashing lights; or see a firefighter – volunteer today!”

The public, scouting and other community groups are invited to join the fire department from 7-8:30pm on Wednesday, October 17 for fire extinguisher training, fire safety lessons and of course, free fire engine rides. This year’s theme is “Have a Plan: Practice EDITH-Exit Drills In The Home.” You can find flyers and posters at the town hall and other locations throughout the community.

You’ll find Evans Center under the ‘Friday Night Lights’ as the Lake Shore Eagles take on Maryvale during the annual Homecoming football game on October 19 at 7pm. The Homecoming parade starts at 6pm on Main Street in the village and ends at the Carrier Drive entrance to the High School. Evans Center Firefighters will be on hand to safeguard the annual bon fire pep rally and will standby with their ambulance during the game. Go Eagles!

On Saturday, October 20, Evans Center will part of a town-wide Halloween celebration sponsored by the Evans Recreation Department from 4-7pm at the Town Park.

To round out the busy weekend, Evans Center’s Ladies Auxiliary will offer a fun afternoon of Towel Bingo on Sunday-October 21 starting at 2pm. The auxiliary supports the fire company with fundraisers, donating thousands of dollars each year to their efforts.

Lastly, the fire company reminds everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween and asks the community to keep their house lights on to keep the kids safe.

It’s important to note that these volunteer firefighters will participate in these eight important community events in addition to the several trainings, meetings, emergency incidents and other activities this busy fire department will conduct this month.

If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, take action! Contact the fire department at 549-1221 or info@ecvfc.org or visit their web site: www.ecvfc.org to download a prospective member guide.

The fire department’s recruitment motto is “Firefighting isn’t for everyone, but volunteering can be…” and offers flexible memberships for Fire/Rescue, EMS Only, Fire Police, Fire Explorers, Ladies Auxiliary and FireCorps members who perform non-emergency administrative and support functions for this busy emergency services agency.