CRANDALL, Texas – The Crandall Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) is looking forward to a brighter future after a rocky road the past several months. The department celebrated their 60th anniversary on Saturday, July 26, 2014, with friends, family, community leaders, and fellow firefighters.
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Brookshire Brothers partnered with Tony Chachere's, a seasoning company based out of Opelousas, Louisiana most commonly known for their creole seasoning, to fry up some cajun favorites from a 40-foot Tony Chachere's cook trailer. The firefighters served the food to the same people they have volunteered to serve and protect – the people of Crandall, Texas, and Kaufman County's Emergency Service District #7.
The event, expected to last over four hours, served over 400 meals in the first hour and a half and raised approximately $5,000.
The anniversary celebration began as a fundraising idea with employees at Brookshire Brothers in Crandall, Texas, according to Store Director Ernest Catuncan. After meeting with Brookshire Brothers' Director of Public Relations Sally Alvis, “it just exploded,” said Catuncan.
“We have to help these first responders. If they don't come with the right equipment, we're in deep trouble,” said Catuncan.
The department has been in financial turmoil the past several months after its treasurer, chaplain, and secretary Denny Mackey was arrested in 2013 and charged with abuse of official capacity on suspicion of misappropriating between $100,000 and $200,000. Mackey allegedly took out two loans and used some fire department equipment as collateral – including three fire trucks.
In March 2014, the department sold two fire trucks and other firefighter equipment to begin paying off the fraudulent loans and other department debt with the bank. Also in March, the Crandall City Council approved additional funding to purchase a fire engine to relieve the department – its delivery is expected in September 2014.
Crandall VFD Chief Allen Cousins, a 35-year veteran of the department, says he is looking forward to the future of the department and a new beginning. “I've always said we are going to move forward and we are,” said Cousins. “This year we have really got a good start.”
Firefighters from the surrounding area attended the event including firefighters from Seagoville, Combine, Able Springs, Scurry, and Garland.
Alvis stated, “At Brookshire Brothers, we understand that our volunteer firefighters are the heart and soul of the community. We depend on our first responders! We celebrate their rich 60-year tradition and want to send them into the next 60 on sound financial footing.”
“It's a great feeling to keep responding to our community and our county,” said Cousins.
The event, expected to last over four hours, served over 400 meals in the first hour and a half and raised approximately $5,000.
The anniversary celebration began as a fundraising idea with employees at Brookshire Brothers in Crandall, Texas, according to Store Director Ernest Catuncan. After meeting with Brookshire Brothers' Director of Public Relations Sally Alvis, “it just exploded,” said Catuncan.
“We have to help these first responders. If they don't come with the right equipment, we're in deep trouble,” said Catuncan.
The department has been in financial turmoil the past several months after its treasurer, chaplain, and secretary Denny Mackey was arrested in 2013 and charged with abuse of official capacity on suspicion of misappropriating between $100,000 and $200,000. Mackey allegedly took out two loans and used some fire department equipment as collateral – including three fire trucks.
In March 2014, the department sold two fire trucks and other firefighter equipment to begin paying off the fraudulent loans and other department debt with the bank. Also in March, the Crandall City Council approved additional funding to purchase a fire engine to relieve the department – its delivery is expected in September 2014.
Crandall VFD Chief Allen Cousins, a 35-year veteran of the department, says he is looking forward to the future of the department and a new beginning. “I've always said we are going to move forward and we are,” said Cousins. “This year we have really got a good start.”
Firefighters from the surrounding area attended the event including firefighters from Seagoville, Combine, Able Springs, Scurry, and Garland.
Alvis stated, “At Brookshire Brothers, we understand that our volunteer firefighters are the heart and soul of the community. We depend on our first responders! We celebrate their rich 60-year tradition and want to send them into the next 60 on sound financial footing.”
“It's a great feeling to keep responding to our community and our county,” said Cousins.