This Saturday, the Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department will raise funds with their annual fish fry. (Wyndi Veigel/The Farmersville Times.)

First responders and firefighters are often part of citizens’ worst days. They are there when the community needs them, often putting their lives on the line.

This weekend will provide an opportunity for those citizens to give back with the Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fish fry.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Farmersville High School.

This year’s fry is raising funds for a very important cause – to help first responders with everyday expenses associated with responding to emergencies including supplementing the department with uniforms and equipment.

Funds also help with the department’s donations for ‘Cops for Kids’ program, Pink Heals of Collin County and other needs as they come in. The department is also contemplating starting a scholarship for students at Farmersville High School next year.

“The citizens of Farmersville have always been there for us supporting our efforts. It is always a pleasure to serve this community as well as surrounding communities whenever a call for service is needed. We are eager for this fundraising event and look forward to meeting everyone there,” Fire Chief Kim Morris said.

Not only will citizens be able to participate by eating delicious, deep fried catfish and all the trimmings, but a live and silent auction for the department will also be raising monies.

“Our support from the local business owners has been tremendous,” Morris said. “And we have some very good items for people to bid on.”

Raffle tickets will also be available for $1 each and the department will be raffling off a wine barrel smoker, a quilt and a 60-inch television.

Tickets for the fish fry are $6 for kids and $12 for adults. Dinner will be catfish, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, beverages and desserts. Peanut oil is used to cook the fish so those with allergies are cautioned.

PHI air ambulance will also be flying in, providing residents the opportunity to get an up close look at the aircraft.

Last year the department ran 1,240 calls and has responded to 290 calls so far this year. The department is primarily staffed with volunteer firefighters with one paid chief and one paid firefighter for Monday through Friday daytime coverage. The department currently has 18 volunteer members and is always accepting applications for additional members.

By Wyndi Veigel • News Editor • [email protected]

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