Fundraiser Crucial For Rock Volunteer Fire Department To Continue To Serve Community

The Rock Volunteer Fire Department in Osage County is getting ready for its annual fundraiser. 

The department's Chief, Charley Pearson, said the donations help them help their community. The Rock Volunteer Fire Department fills a huge gap in the rural areas north of Sand Springs.

“When things happen, you want medical people to show up. We are those people. We will show up, and we will do everything we can to save your life. And we have saved countless lives over the years," Pearson said.

It may sound cliché, but Pearson said his crews risk everything out of the goodness of their hearts.

"We get to make a difference in people’s lives, money can’t buy that," Pearson said.

Still, volunteer departments don't get tax money and fire trucks don't run on good will.

“We have to be able to maintain what we do have. To make sure they run and start and go and do what you needed done. And you know these trucks are not cheap," Pearson said.

Not cheap is an understatement. Some fire trucks can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus gas, maintenance and new parts, it can add up, but the department's fee is only $3 a month.

"Every bit of this right here is community funded," Pearson said.

The department pays for nearly everything through community fundraisers. Over the years the money they've raised has kept Pearson's team equipped with working equipment and trucks, and in turn they've kept watch.

"They have to depend on us, and we have to depend on them," Pearson said.

The department's big fundraiser with live music, a pig roast and a craft show is coming up in two weeks. If you go, every penny you spend goes directly towards department costs.

You can find out more through the Rock Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page here.