Milo annual fundraiser exceeds 800 people

Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Brandon Leer, who serves as a volunteer firefighter in Milo and Nevada and Ashley Raggo serve up smoked turkey, sausage balls, and potatoes - just a portion of the food that was served at the Milo Rural Fire and Rescue Department's annual membership dinner.

Organizers of the Milo Rural Fire Department's annual dinner were hoping 1,000 would show up for the annual dinner -- the department's primary fundraiser -- Saturday.

That didn't happen, but having 809 who did attend didn't dampen their enthusiasm or prevent them from labeling the dinner a huge success.

"It's a great turnout, said Denise Hopkins, safety officer and dinner coordinator.

She saidå the number was up from last year's total of a little more than 750.

The Milo department is all volunteer with roughly 15 active firefighters, said assistant chief Chris Mason, who also serves as secretary-treasurer and holds the rank of captain.

While totals from the dinner were not yet available, Hopkins said she is proud of what was raised. Besides the dinner, annual membership dues by residents who live in the rural fire district make up the bulk of the department's operating funds.

Organized in 1978, Mason said the department has grown substantially during its 35 year history. Firefighters primarily battle grass fires, which pose a significant threat to rural areas, but also have occasional house fires. Mason has been with the fire department for 12 years.

Steve Zoglmann is Milo's fire chief. He, other firefighters and numerous volunteers were on hand to serve guests a dinner that included turkey, pork, hot dogs, sausage balls, cheesy potatoes, cabbage. baked beans and lots of homemade desserts.

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