Fire Department online auction a success

When COVID-19 restrictions led to the 2020 Lincoln Fireman's Ball cancellation, the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department adapted by hosting an online auction through Facebook, which concluded May 30.

"It's going to be right around $14,000," said Fire Chief Zach Muse, regarding how much money the auction raised. "Considering what's going on, we're more than thrilled."

Muse said the Fireman's Ball usually raises $18,000-20,000.

"I think we'll probably be okay to make it through this year and get back to our regular schedule with the Fireman's Ball," he said.

Muse noted that not everyone is on Facebook, so not all the regular Fireman's Ball attendees were able to participate in the auction this year, but that using Facebook meant the LVFD didn't have to purchase new software to run the auction.

"You gotta go with what you can do," said Muse. "I think it reached 75 percent or more, and it gave us a lot of opportunity to reach other people not at the Fireman's Ball."

Money from the Fireman's Ball is often spent to upgrade vehicles, gear, and buildings. In recent years, the money has allowed the LVFD to put a new roof on one of their buildings and to fix plumbing issues.

"All of our buildings are 50-, 60-, 70-years old and they need work," Muse said. "We rely on this to be able to upgrade and make us better and more efficient. It's amazing how many people donate what they do. It keeps us going."

This year, Muse expects the funding to support work on their building near the southwest corner of Stemple Pass Road. The LVFD has already started work on the building, but more is needed before the building will be usable.

"We had to put bigger doors in. There are some plumbing issues. We'll probably need to buy a new heater. All the previous owner's stuff is still in the building, and we'll have to take a lot of trips to the dump. None of it is really worth anything."

To help clear out the building, the LVFD has organized a work day on June 27, starting at 9 a.m., and Muse said it's open to anyone who wants to help. "We'll fill dump trailers, pickups, anything. We're going to try to get as much as we can get done before fire season. It's just going to take some time and keep chipping away at it."