The Shadow
Dear Editor,
The Covington Fire Department’s project to restore its 1927 American LaFrance fire engine, Hezekiah, is beginning to become a reality.
Thus far, community support has brought our fundraising efforts to about 75 percent of our goal of $25,000.
Several fundraising events to date have included a 50-50 raffle, which was won by Michael A. Brown Sr., boot drives at several Covington High School football games, donation jugs located at Whitey’s One Stop, Double C Restaurant, Cucci’s Pizzeria, Hardee’s, The Gettin’ Place and Thunder Alley.
Also, we have conducted the sale of “I Helped Restore Hezekiah” t-shirts.
We thank all who have donated at these locations and those who participated in the 50-50 raffle and purchased the t-shirts.
A few shirts remain to be sold and you can contact any member of the fire department or call 962-2926 or 960-1159.
Many have mailed in donations and our thanks go to the following: Dave Kleppinger, Berkley Mays, Charlie and Doris Wingfield, Norma Ellis, Mark Fridley, Charles and Norma Curtin, John Woodzell, Mary Moore and family, Doug Smith, Lewis Leitch, Anne Wright, Doug and Betty Broughman, Mildred Watts, Glenn Bailey, Juanita Dressler, Gertrude Dressler, Karen Chichester, Richard Pedigo, the family of Mert Tyree, Marilyn Wood, Raymond and Irma Arritt, Gary Munsey, Victor and Janet Cucci, Gary Rice, Carrol and Dwayne Richardson.
Also, Colonial Ford, Dixie Gas and Oil Inc., Dr. James I Gilbert III DDS Inc., Kars Unlimited, Nationwide Insurance, Ntelos, The Virginian Review and Richard F. Beirne IV.
Several other fundraising efforts are planned for the near future.
A .270 cal. rifle will be raffled off and a quilt and banner with a fire service theme donated by Judy Neighbors, Pam Austin and Joanne Brunetti also be offered at raffle.
We are still accepting donations from the business community and individuals.
Donations can be sent to The Hezekiah Restoration Fund, 435 W. Hawthorne Street, Covington, Va. 24426, or contact any member of the fire department.
Any amount will be appreciated. Although the city of Covington provides complete operational and maintenance expenses for the Covington Fire Department, projects such as the restoration of Hezekiah are not included in the city’s scope of funding and must be completed at the fire department’s expense.
Plans at this time are to send Hezekiah to the Halbert E. Fillinger Co. in Harleysville, Pa., for mechanical restoration sometime in April.
This company specializes in restoration of antique American LaFrance fire apparatus.
It is estimated that the truck should return to Covington sometime in August or September.
Upon return, Hezekiah will receive a new paint job and striping along with other cosmetic work.
Continued public support with this project is encouraged and appreciated.
Thanks,
Hezekiah Restoration
Committee
Covington Fire Department
