Township fire department gears up for “the green”

BUCYRUS–The Jefferson Township Fire Department is hoping the luck of the Irish will shine down on their upcoming community event to raise money for the department.

The fire association – the fund-raising arm of the fire department – will hold its third annual St. Patty’s Day Fundraiser on Saturday, March 11, starting at 4 p.m. at The Copper Irons in Bucyrus, 215 S. Sandusky Ave.

Food, live music, and, of course, axe throwing will be on tap for the 21 and older event, according to firefighter Mike Swick. Proceeds will be used to purchase much-needed equipment for the department, such as chainsaws and hand tools, he said.

“We buy basically smaller items, so we don’t have to go through the trustees and ask them for additional money,” Swick said. “We’re extremely blessed by the support we’ve gotten for the fire department from the township and the community.”

Devil Doves, a four-piece rock band from Columbus, will perform at the indoor axe-throwing venue, Swick said. The band features Timothy “Junior” Kauffman on guitar and lead vocals, Eric Nassau on bass, Kyle Davis on Trejon, and Jeff Straw on keys.

Food trucks will be parked outside the building on Sandusky Avenue for those looking to grab a bite to eat that night, Swick said, plus alcoholic beverages will be sold on-site. He said reservations should be made by contacting The Copper Irons.

The St. Patty’s Day party, which drew about 100 people its first year, is just one of three events held throughout the year to benefit the fire department, Swick said. A pancake breakfast in April and a chicken dinner in November are the other two.

In years past, he said, the St. Patty’s Day fundraiser has brought in a few thousand dollars. Part of that money was used by the association to not only update equipment but also outfit one of the fire department’s utility vehicles, he said.

“We’re very proud of the fleet of apparatus that has been provided to us. We do run a very well maintained and updated fleet. We’re just glad for the community support and we’re hoping to offer a fun time for those wanting to try something new.”