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31 FLAVORS OF SUPPORT FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS
Jackson Mills Fire Co. Scoops Up Fun At Baskin Robbins
By Keith Hagarty
 | | --Photo By Keith Hagarty Members of the Jackson Mills Fire Company, Station 54 and the Jackson First Volunteer Fire Company, Station 55 were the cherry on top of Baskin Robbins' 31-Cents Scoop Night held Wednesday for the National Fallen Fighters Foundation. |
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Oreo Cookies and Cream, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Pralines and Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake were just some of the more popular requests heard on Wednesday night as Jackson's firefighters played the part of ice cream men in celebration of Baskin Robbins' 31-Cent Scoop Night.
The 31-Cents Scoop Night also provided a great fundraising opportunity for the Jackson Mills Fire Company, Station 54, the Jackson First Volunteer Fire Company, Station 55 and fire districts throughout the nation, said Ray Hosford, former chief of the Jackson Mills Fire Company.
"The Baskin Robbins on Manhattan Street contacted me because I go in there all the time for coffee," said Hosford. "They were wondering if we were interested in doing that with them, coming there with our fire trucks and putting them on display. It's a great opportunity."
Baskin Robbins Ice Cream recently donated $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Created 15 years ago by the U.S. Congress, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization with a mission of developing and expanding programs to honor the nation's fallen fire heroes and assist their and coworkers.
Jackson Mills Fire Chief Mike Lubertazzi brought his family out for the delicious ice cream deal, but was even more impressed by the constant steam of local customers who not only filled their bellies, but also stuffed the fire department's donation bucket with over $800.
"It's for the community to let them know that we are here for them," Lubertazzi said as he watched his crew demonstrating the proper way to use a fire extinguisher in an emergency.
"It's home knowledge," he said. So many residential fires can be avoided by homeowners just being a little aware of how to fire-proof their homes, according to Lubertazzi, who thanked Baskin-Robbins for helping in that cause.
"We really appreciate Baskin-Robbins doing this for the firefighters of Jackson," said Lubertazzi, who also praised the Jackson First Volunteer Fire Company, Station 55 for doing their part to serve up ice cream for hungry customers at the Baskin-Robbins/ Dunkin Donuts on County Line Road.
With over 2,000 scoops of ice cream served to customers by the firefighters, Jackson Mills firefighter Ray Tremer III expressed his appreciation to everyone who came out to show their support.
"It means a lot just to be able to give a little bit back to them,' said Tremer. "But I think we get even more back from the community."
Joining their employees, wearing red plastic firefighter hats, Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins' franchise owner, Dennis Dryburgh and store manager Marie Cersosimo were thrilled to have the firefighters behind the counter for the night.
"It's more an acknowledgement of our local fire departments on the work they do, since they're mostly volunteers, and how they support the community," said Dryburgh, "and our dedication to help them support the community through any means that we can."
The ice cream lovers who came out and lent a hand are greatly appreciated by Hosford and the firefighters of Jackson.
"I feel good that the community is recognizing all the firefighters who volunteer their time for no pay, and constantly come out for training and answer calls day and night," said Hosford.
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