The Independence BrewBQ is pleased to announce the Independence Fire Department as our official 2018 charity partner. Proceeds from this year’s event will help the department reach their goal of upgrading a grass fire suppression rig.
“Our current rig is overweight and underpowered for the tasks we are trying to perform”, said Blake Hayward, City of Independence Fire Department. “We are looking to purchase an apparatus that will carry at least four firefighters safely and be equipped with a remote control nozzle on the front which can be controlled safely from the inside of the cab. This apparatus will be used not only in our fire district but also when needed by surrounding communities that need mutual aid.”
The Independence Fire Department’s staff of 26 serve the residents of Independence as well as Sumner and Washington Townships. Six of the firefighters are also EMTs. “We are really looking forward to our partnership with the Fire Department. They are a great group of individuals who care a great deal about our community,” said Pete Gaumer, Independence BrewBQ committee member.
Independence Fire Department Crew Front row sitting (left to right John Butler, Richard Newton, Daryl Johnson Jr, Doug Cook, Rick Wulfekuhle, Blake Hayward, Judd Taylor) Back row standing ( left to right Gordy Fenner, David Dunlap, Jordon Wulfekuhle, Adam Kuhse, Jacob Wolf, Lane Zahourek, Jen Simmons, Matt Mayner, Tim Erickson, Ben Reiff, Jesse Manning, Rob Ratchford) Missing from the photo is: Roger Kremer, Jason Decker, Mike Loveless, Tristian Dilley, Andrew Hermsen.
The Independence BrewBQ is a one day outdoor festival featuring BBQ vendors, live music, a Craft Brew Zone, a bike ride and is a fundraiser for charity at the same time. Since 2006, Independence BrewBQ has raised over $20,000 for community betterment in Independence and the surrounding areas. Help us in our donation effort to assist the Independence Fire Department by attending this year’s Independence BrewBQ on Saturday, August 25. For more information and to purchase Craft Brew Zone passes, click here.