2017 Firemen’s Ball live auction inside the Community Center. Photo: P. Vankevich

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The most important fundraising event for the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department will be this Saturday evening (May 26) at the Community Center.

The Firemen’s Ball is a fun event. It begins 4 p.m. with viewing and bidding on the many items in the silent auction, great barbecue at 5 p.m., the exciting live auction at 7 p.m. and a musical conclusion with the Dune Dogs and Raygun Ruby.

Some of Ocracoke’s volunteer firefighters who are, well, volunteering for the Firemen’s Ball. Photo: P. Vankevich

The costs of operating an all-volunteer fire department these days are high. State and federal regulations come with escalating costs. Two of the fire trucks need to be replaced. So, fundraising is crucial.

The OVFD responds to many emergencies and just not to fires. Assisting the EMS and flight nurse crews when a helicopter medevac is underway is just one of the important responsibilities.

The firefighters and administrative staff – all volunteers – are highly dedicated to serving the community and to helping those in emergencies.

Take some time out and join those at the Community Center in a show of support. Here is your opportunity to say thank you and have a good time. T-shirts will be for sale.

If you can’t make it and want to provide some financial support, you can send a donation to the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association (OFPA) and mail it to OFPA, P.O. Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Point of disclosure: Peter Vankevich is on the editorial board for the Ocracoke Observer and is an Ocracoke volunteer firefighter.

Volunteers inside the station after a training session. Photo: P. Vankevich
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