The Tamaqua Fire Police Association needs financial help in order for its members to continue their volunteer efforts on behalf of the community.

The nonprofit, all-volunteer organization has sent out letters for its 13th annual campaign, seeking donations and explaining just what it is that fire police do.

First and foremost, they respond to all fire calls. In 2017, the Tamaqua Fire Police responded to a total of 79 calls. Of those, 34 were for silent and box alarm calls. Those calls included actual fires, false alarms, traffic accidents, odor investigations, fuel leaks, automatic fire alarms, trees and wires down, oil spills, brush fires, helicopter landings and ambulance assistance. They also detoured traffic due to weather, construction, flooding and power outages; and assisted at parades, funerals, football games, 5K runs, car cruises, block parties and more.

All in all, members donated almost 500 hours of their time to help the community, using up supplies while putting wear and tear on their equipment and response vehicle.

Monetary donations are needed to replenish those supplies and maintain the equipment. Tax deductible contributions may be sent to: Tamaqua Fire Police Association, c/o Capt. Robert Schlorf, 203 Clay St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.