The First Responder Car Show at Cousins’ Pub in Shoemakersville raised funds for local fire companies on July 11.
“I enjoy helping people, the satisfaction of helping people in their time of need,” was how Matt Lutz of Hamburg, Assistant Engineer of the Port Clinton Volunteer Fire Company, explained the reason for his return to involvement in a fire company.
Lutz was trapped in a house fire in 2007, resulting in traumatic injuries and a long recovery. Also a correctional officer at the Berks County Prison, Lutz took a seven-year break from his passion of running with a fire company which ended last year when he joined Port Clinton.
The passion that local firefighters like Lutz feel was evident in the First Responder Car. The Shoemakersville and Port Clinton Volunteer Fire Companies were joined by the Union Fire Company #1 of Hamburg in an awareness event coordinated by Rudy Arceo, a volunteer at both Port Clinton and Shoemakersville.
“The whole thing here is to raise awareness,” said Arceo. “Just to equip one firefighter costs upward of $3,000.”
He said many fire companies rely on donations and grants to keep both their members and their communities safe.
Displays were available for the public to view at the show. The Shoemakersville Fire Company brought their ice and water, plus all-terrain vehicle rescue equipment, as well as a car that was totaled due a texting and driving crash. Fire trucks were lined up from the companies involved in the show, and personal vehicles belonging to firefighters and community members were registered for the event.
Attendees of all ages were involved with music, contests, demonstrations, and free gifts, in a show of support and gratitude from the fire companies to the communities they serve.
Susan Specht of Hamburg, a volunteer for the Union Fire Company #1, summarized her hopes for the outreach to the community.
“People just want to support their local fire companies. We’re all volunteers.”
