pnbsppp classbyline–13294209271780—-13294209271781–span classauthor vcardspan classfnStory and photos by DUSTIN HOLT Staff Writer for spanspanpp classbylinespan classhide source-org vcardspan classorg fnThe Star Democratspanspannbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspp–13294209271782–div idblox-story-text classentry-contentpEASTON A steady stream of donations have filtered into Easton Volunteer Fire Department since department officials asked for the publics help to balance the budget with rising costs and raise between 55000 and 60000 through a fall donation fund drive.ppIn recent years the economic downturn has made it difficult for the fire department to balance its budget with fewer donations coming in than before the downturn. In September the Easton VFD asked for the publics help through a donation mailer.pdiv classencrypted-contentpEVFD Assistant Chief Sonny Jones said the donation mailers have raised about 56000 so far.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpquotDonations have been fairly consistent as past years and a big help to usquot Jones said. quotWe know with the economic downturn its more difficult for residents and businesses to donate like they could before the downturn. They have been great to us this year and their donations will go a long way to balance our budget.quotpdivdiv classencrypted-contentpEaston VFD which is 100 percent volunteer covers about 80 percent of all emergencies in Talbot County and runs about 1000 calls a year including parts of Caroline County. The department has about 120 members with 45 active members using 15 pieces of apparatus.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpThe operating budget is about 720000 a year with the fire department responsible to raise about 300000 and the Town of Easton and Talbot County covering the rest. It costs about 1750 to properly outfit a firefighter.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpIn recent years the EVFD has struggled to raise money through its fall bull roast and even canceled the event two years ago for lack of ticket sales. This year the event rebounded with a sell out raising about 13000.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpquotWe really appreciate the support for the bull roastquot Jones said. quotThe event has struggled the last few years but the public really helped us this year.quotpdivdiv classencrypted-contentpEaston fire department remains near the top of best fire departments in Maryland. The state rates Easton fire department as a Class 4 rating with nine municipalities rated higher in the state.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpIn 2009 Easton fire department received the highest rating from the Insurance Services Office which lowers fire insurance rates for local residents.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpDespite the recent financial struggles Jones said EVFD always will have its doors open ready at a moments notice to help the public.pdivdiv classencrypted-contentpquotTimes are tough now but the public really came to our aidquot he said. quotWe will continue to rely on donations from businesses and the public.quotpdivdiv classencrypted-contentpDonations still are being accepted and may be taken to the Easton firehouse or mailed to the firehouse at 315 Aurora Park Drive Easton MD 21601.pdivdivpnbspp
