Millheim Fire Co. holds cash drawing, gun raffle

MILLHEIM -- Like a lot of other fire companies these days, Millheim Fire Company holds a gun drawing to raise funds to support their budget. Millheim Fire Company’s annual cash and gun drawing was held under a carnival tent under gray skies and showers at the fire station grounds on Saturday afternoon.

Along with fire chief Delmar Homan, many of the volunteer firefighters and EMT’s were on hand to help sell rip tickets, 50/50 tickets and to keep the food containers full for patrons. Cory Lingle and his kitchen helpers were responsible for keeping the hot sausage sandwiches, french fries and hamburgers hot and ready throughout the afternoon.

DJ Ricky LaPean (accompanied by his wife, Erin), provided his services during the afternoon as well, handling the music and wielding the microphone to announce the various winners as their names or ticket numbers were being drawn. Ricky and Erin live in Millheim, and they are always happy to support the fire company’s fundraising endeavors.

Along with guns, there were three cash prizes of $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 appearing on the ticket stubs that were awarded. Several pistols were up for grabs during rip ticket sales, too. A fire safe with three mystery guns sealed inside was one of the last prizes to be awarded.

One of the prizes given away at Millheim Fire Company’s 2023 Cash and Gun raffle on Saturday was a Henry 9/11 Firefighter Tribute 22 long rifle that was personalized and engraved with Millheim Fire Company’s name.

As with all first responders, when the pager sounds, day or night, they’re ready to respond, even in the midst of their gun drawing. Several of Station 18’s firefighters answered the alarm to extinguish a brush fire a few miles from town; while those remaining behind continued on with the gun drawing activities until their comrades returned.

Despite the showers, gun drawing patrons enjoyed food, drinks, rip tickets and socializing during the afternoon. Just before the event ended all joined in to sing the chorus of ‘Sweet Caroline’ together. Good times never seemed so good!