Article courtesy of the TIMES NEWS August 7, 2007
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Ron Gower/TIMES NEWS David Hiles, second from left, and Lisa Hiles, center, owners of Hiles Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Fuel Co. in Summit Hill, present check totaling $1,000 to Dave Sommers, president of the Diligence Fire Company in Summit Hill. Looking on are Bob Henninger, left, chief engineer of the fire company, and John R. Poko, fire company treasurer. |
David and Lisa Hiles, owners of a Summit Hill business, are hoping to revive fund-driving efforts of the borough's fire department.
Monday, they donated $1,000 to the Diligence Fire Company. They own Hiles Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Fuel Co.
"We need the fire company," said Lisa. "Hopefully others will give."
The fire company is preparing to start the second leg of a major fund drive. It is sending letters to borough residents seeking donations.
John R. Poko, fire company treasurer, said this is the second mailing this year of appeal letters. The first mailing netted a 51 percent of the fire department's fund raising goal of $40,000.
About $23,000 was netted in the first mailing.
Bob Henninger, chief engineer of the fire department, said he was shocked when a resident approached him and refused to make a donation because they thought the firefighters were paid.
"We're all volunteers," said Henninger. "None of us are paid."
David Hiles said, "We want to kick start the fund drive that fell short."
"We want to do whatever we can to keep the fire company equipped," Lisa added.