Carters Valley Volunteer Fire Department (Church Hill, TN)

The Carters Valley Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) Fire Corps program evolved out of a Ladies Auxiliary. This transition in 2007 opened the door to many new members. Within five months, the number of Fire Corps members skyrocketed from six to 25. Currently, the program has 18 active members, most of which were recruited by word-of-mouth through family members at the department or through the department’s yearly community mailing.

Carters Valley VFD leaders and members work very closely with their Fire Corps team and view them as an integral part of their family. As Chief Michael Yates said, “In order to succeed, we all must work together.” The Fire Corps members perform rehabilitation services, engage in public relations activities, and, most notably, lead 80 percent of the department’s fundraising efforts.

For more than 10 years, Carters Valley VFD has raised funds by selling refreshments at the annual community block party in the neighboring town of Mount Carmel. The creation of the Fire Corps program has allowed the department to expand this fundraising endeavor. The department purchased a dunking tank for the Fire Corps to use at the block party and other community events. The officers of the department take turns sitting in the dunking tank, which is triggered when someone hits the target with a ball. The department typically raises a couple thousand dollars from the block party each year.

Last summer, the Carters Valley Fire Corps sponsored its inaugural Duck Race, which raised over $4,500 for the department. The event was advertised in the local media, through fliers distributed throughout the community, and on electronic message boards through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. With the city’s permission, the department released 1,400 rubber ducks in a city park stream. Each duck was numbered and had a corresponding numbered ticket. Community members paid five dollars per ticket in hopes that their duck would be the first to cross the finish line. Winners received gift cards. In addition to the Duck Race, community members were entertained by various family-friendly games and events, including the dunking booth and face painting.

Every fall, Carters Valley VFD and their Fire Corps team create a Haunted Forest as another fundraiser. About a month in advance, Fire Corps members begin to clear the wooded trails, spray for poison ivy, and build props to go along with the year’s designated theme. Admission fees support the department and totaled over $14,000 in 2008.

For more information about Carters Valley VFD Fire Corps, contact Chief Michael Yates at myates343@yahoo.com.

Carters Valley Volunteer Fire Department (Church Hill, TN)

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