Florida Fire Company Serves Up Spaghetti
 Photos by Kathy Keeser
 The Florida Fire Department's annual spaghetti dinner drew a crowd on Saturday. Left, Chief Michael Bedini. Below, Kevin Hempstead, left, of Clarksburg, Josh Little and Ronald White. |
The firefighters hoped to raise $600 to $1,000 toward supporting the all-volunteer Florida Fire Department through the dinner and raffles.
"This annual event builds community ties. People come as much because it is a social event as to have a meal. It is nice to see people," said firefighter Josh Little.
The spaghetti sauce is special because it is truly a group effort. Firefighter families each make a gallon or so of sauce that are mixed together to make one big batch to spoon over pasta. Patrons also received coffee or soft drinks, a salad, meatballs (a meatless sauce was available) and a slice of either vanilla or chocolate cake.
As a community event, the spaghetti supper draws people from beyond the town of Florida, including residents from the city, groups such as senior citizens from Savoy who arrived in their Council on Aging van; state police Lt. William Blackmer and his wife, North Adams City Councilor Lisa Blackmer, and Clarksburg and Savoy firefighters. Fire Chief Michael Bedini said local fire departments provide mutual support by attending each other's functions when they know about them.
"The best part is that we have so much fun doing it and we get the kids helping," said Susan Bedini, one of the organizers. This year, Brandon Field, a junior firefighter, was helping serve drinks and doing other tasks along with Austin Worth and Krista Furlon. Field said being a junior firefighter "makes me feel important. I get to roll the hose and help out in other ways. I'm learning to be a firefighter." Worth is eager to join him: "I will be a junior firefighter as soon as I am old enough, but you have to be 14."
The Florida Fire Department has been providing service to the town since 1954. Ronald White, who's been a member for 26 years, said, "it provides a valuable service to the town for no money, no one is paid a salary." David Burdick has participated for 39 years and said he continues doing it to help townspeople out.
"I enjoy being quick on my feet. As a firefighter, situations arise where you need to be quick on your feet and I love that, said Lt. Mike Worth.
 Brandon Field, left, a junior firefighter, Austin Worth and Krista Furlon helped serve beverages at the dinner. |
Capt. Mike Gleason, Worth and Brad Furlon fill the other office positions within the department. "Together they try to make it all work," Bedini said.
Other annual fundraising includes the spring pancake breakfast and roadside bucket drives. The funds raised go back into the community. "A lot of the funds raised go toward purchasing fire equipment for the town," said Bedini. In addition, the department provides "Above and Beyond" fire-prevention instruction for school groups from Gabriel Abbott Memorial School. Additionally, the Florida Fire Association provides scholarships annually for local youth and hosts a tree-lighting ceremony with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, picture taking, prizes and more.
Bedini said thanks this year should go to members auxiliary members Bedini, Connie Furlon, Diana Worth, Maggie Furlon, Lisa Tanner and Helen Gardner, who along with the firefighters and their families, organized the dinner.
The Florida Firefighters Association also wanted to thank Wal-Mart, Price Chopper, Big Y, Cumberland Farms, BJ's Wholesale and Wohrle's Foods for their donations.
