By By James Crawford
News Editor
On an afternoon when most people would have to head out in a boat to catch their dinner, all the residents of Nokomis had to do was take a short drive down to the new fire station on James Road and for a small donation, pick up a delicious plate of fried fish, baked beans, salad and down home hospitality – all while helping a good cause.
The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Saturday at the new fire station on James Road from 11a.m. until 2 p.m. The department personnel was on hand to showcase the new station and its continued improvements, give free blood pressure checks and talk with residents about what they still aim to accomplish.
The department's Susan Eiland manned the vitals table conducting blood pressure checks and handing out literature on health related issues. Although primarily trying to get the attention of adults "we've had quite a few kids too," said Eiland.
Eiland's husband was busying delivering food requests to areas such as Bay Minette and as far away as Cantonment and Frisco City. "The Frisco City Fire Department has helped us out a lot. They sold $350 worth for us," said Nokomis Fire Department Chief Wayne Harris.
The fundraiser is held annually by the department to help raise money to buy equipment and support materials and to pay for training materials. The department is currently in the process of completing their building project at the new station and wrapping up parking lot issues and needs.
The interior of the new station now sports bathrooms, a meeting room, and a training room complete with new wiring. The department has come a long way but is still in need of material s and expertise to help finish up the projects.
"Lots of community members have come out and helped. All the food here today is donated. Every year keeps getting better and better," said Harris. "We've got to finish the insides of our offices and then continue to work on getting new equipment."
At the top of the department's wish list for the new station are a stove and a refrigerator. The department also has arranged a new donation program with the power department where residents can request a form from the fire department to have $5 add to their monthly bill that will be given to the fire department in the form of a quarterly check.
"We have a few doing it now, but we need a lot more to participate," said Harris. "We're real excited about it though. It's a real easy thing for people to do and it will help us to pay our operating expenses each month by giving us money we can count on."
To become a volunteer firefighter with the Nokomis VFD you have to be 18 years of age and be able to pass a background check. No experience is required and training is available.
For questions, to make tax-deductible donations, to request a form to contribute on your power bill or for volunteer opportunities, contact Chief Wayne Harris at 368-3131 or Board President Wayne Hubbard at 368-5800.