Phone: 717-819-0924

Email: strwcem@aol.com

Website: http://www.oldfirefarts.org

Facebook: Search for "Old Fire Farts of York County PA"

Robert Straw, who handles public information for the Old Fire Farts, talked about the organization and its participation in Give Local York, a countywide day of fundraising set for May 1:

What is the mission of Old Fire Farts of York County, PA?

The mission of the Old Fire Farts of York County, PA is to preserve the history of the fire service for future generations and provide financial support for current emergency response personnel with grants for advancing their education. Our organization is made up of men and women fire buffs, collectors, active and retired firefighters, EMS personnel, and 911 dispatchers. The board of directors consists of six appointed members: president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, and two members-at-large. We use our website and Facebook page to share information and communicate among members and to promote our meetings, special events, and fundraising opportunities.

Why is the organization excited to participate in Give Local York this year?

Our Give Local York campaign is focused on the restoration of a memorial monument located at the York County Fire Museum at Carlisle Avenue and Market Street in York. This monument was erected by the Rescue Fire Co. No. 4 of York City in 1904 on Penn Common to honor four volunteer firefighters who were killed at a fire in the south end that year. It was moved to the Fire Museum in the late 1980s and is in dire need of restoration before it falls down. We will restore the existing memorial monument for city firefighters who die in the line of duty, and we have to add the latest two firefighters who died two years ago. We will also add granite stones with brass plaques to honor the remaining firefighters who died in the line of duty from York County. A total of 33 emergency responders' names will appear at this location when it is completed.