The Danby Fire Company’s current set of Jaws Of Life. The new laminated glass on the side windows of cars make it difficult for the fire company to save people in accidents. (Photo by: Jadyn Davis/ Ithaca Week)
Every day, members of the Danby Volunteer Fire Company work hard to ensure the safety of the residents of Danby. However, a lack of funds has made that job harder in regards to having access to good equipment.
That is why the company is hosting a series of fundraising events, including a pancake breakfast this past month, that will not only bring in new revenue, but get the community involved as well.
Jaws of Life or hydraulic rescue tools are used by firefighters to rescue people from cars.
However, the company has had the same Jaws of Life for almost 20 years and the current set isn’t as efficient at opening modern car doors, according to John Gaden, Danby fire chief.
“They work on newer cars, but to some limit,” Gaden said. “There’s some of the cutting and spreading that we can’t do.”
George Jakubson, emergency medical technician (EMT), firefighter and emergency medical service EMS director said the Danby Fire District, which includes the Danby Volunteer Fire Company and the West Danby Fire Company, is a municipality that can tax the town of Danby.
Additionally, Jakubson said that while some of the tax revenue comes to the companies, it isn’t enough to fully support them.
“Those monies don’t cover all the costs — hence we go and do this stuff,” Jakubson said.
Gaden said the company will borrow some equipment from neighboring fire stations through mutual aid.
“If we get a serious car accident where we need the newer jaws that we don’t have, we’ll immediately call Ithaca (Fire Department),” Gaden said.
Danby resident Joan Barber said she once called the company when her fireplace was malfunctioning and has been a supporter of them since 1958.
Additionally, Barber said she understands the difficulty of not having the proper equipment.
Looking ahead
Jakubson said the company raised $1,728 from its most recent breakfast fundraiser in February.
While the breakfast fundraiser brought in a significant amount of funds to the company, Jakubson said they still need more money to reach their goal of $26,000. The company currently has $4,100.
“We’re not going to raise $26,000 on pancakes,” Jakubson said.
Additionally, Jakubson said the company will get grants from some of the local foundations like the Ithaca College Park Foundation and the Triad foundation, which Jakubson said has given the company grants before.
However, Jackubson said that foundations are highly selective about where they donate money.
“They want to know that you’re serious and you’re working hard,” Jakubson said. “You’re not just sitting back in a chair waiting for them to hand you the money — and we’re not.”
Two years ago, when EMT Giovanni Garriga first moved to Ithaca, from Brooklyn, New York, he was recommended by a friend to join the company.
Now, after six months of being at the company, Garriga said he feels more connected to the town of Danby.
Deanna Bowles was a firefighter and EMT for 32 years. Her late husband, Ralph Ferris Bowles, was a member for more than 60 years.
“We enjoyed it, and it was kind of like a family affair,” Bowles said. “When the company does breakfast or chicken barbecues, that’s money in their treasury. And they use it for things like buying tables and equipment.”
Jethro Forbes, third assistant chief, said he enjoys giving back to the Danby community through fundraisers like these and appreciates the support from the community in return.
“It warms your heart to see folks come out and support us this way,” Forbes said. “I think it just goes to really reflect the appreciation that the community has for the efforts that we’re trying to make on their behalf.”
To learn more about the fire company, or see upcoming fundraising events, log on to its Facebook page here.
