Crandall, Texas – The day-to-day operations of the Crandall Fire Department haven't changed, says Crandall Fire Department Chief Allen Cousins. But the department is struggling to pay back $140,934.27 in fraudulent loans allegedly stolen by Denny Mackey – their former chaplain, treasurer, and secretary.
{loadposition adinsert}
Three Crandall Volunteer Fire Department fire trucks were used as collateral on the fraudulent loans. The department is now asking for the community's help to prevent the repossession of those key pieces of equipment. Earlier this morning, February 1, 2014, the Crandall Fire Department held the first of many benefit events – a good ole' fashion pancake breakfast.
The department pulled all their engines out of the fire department's bays and filled them with tables which quickly filled to capacity. “We're really amazed at the turnout,” said Cousins who estimates nearly 300 people attended. “We'd like to thank the community and Walmart of Seagoville, David's Supermarket, the Cotton Gin, Oak Farms, and Community Coffee for making it all possible.”
Although the department still has a long road ahead of them, they were able to raise approximately $5,365 at this morning's breakfast and plan to hold several other benefit events in the future including a possible fish fry in February. Approximately $6,000 was also donated from area businesses including a grant from the Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative.
Firefighters from all over Kaufman County and other areas of North Texas also attended the event including Terrell, Forney, Rosser, Combine, Seagoville, Garland, Longview, and Ellis County.
The department pulled all their engines out of the fire department's bays and filled them with tables which quickly filled to capacity. “We're really amazed at the turnout,” said Cousins who estimates nearly 300 people attended. “We'd like to thank the community and Walmart of Seagoville, David's Supermarket, the Cotton Gin, Oak Farms, and Community Coffee for making it all possible.”
Although the department still has a long road ahead of them, they were able to raise approximately $5,365 at this morning's breakfast and plan to hold several other benefit events in the future including a possible fish fry in February. Approximately $6,000 was also donated from area businesses including a grant from the Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative.
Firefighters from all over Kaufman County and other areas of North Texas also attended the event including Terrell, Forney, Rosser, Combine, Seagoville, Garland, Longview, and Ellis County.