Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Napanee Legion Branch 137 received some significant reinforcements last week, welcoming 37 members of the Greater Napanee Fire Department to their organization.
GNFD chief Bill Hammond proposed the idea of having local firefighters join the Legion to the local branch president Peggy Sunstrum, who was thrilled with the idea. Hammond stated his intent to approach the Legion at a recent council meeting.
“Their mandate is very similar to ours,” said Sunstrum. “We serve people, they serve people. We serve veterans in our community, so having them onboard as those extra sets of hands is just going to help every single fundraiser that we do. These guys are willing to work.”
Far from just a ceremonial role, the GNFD firefighters are now full-fledged, paying members of the Legion. Having GNFD members on board means a bigger pool of volunteers to assist with the many fundraising initiatives the Legion holds throughout the year, none bigger than their annual Poppy Campaign in November. Their work continues throughout the year however such as operating the food booth at the Napanee Fair during the August long weekend and various other activities throughout the year. Money they raise through these events goes back to assisting veterans within the community.
No strangers to charity work themselves, GNFD firefighters assist with several community events, taking part in charity events as well as hosting a handful of their own.
To officially mark joining the Legion, a special ceremony was held at GNFD’s Napanee station on May 29 with Napanee Legion executive members Kathy Gardner and Chris Ingersoll joining Sunstrum as they stopped by to present membership cards. Representatives from Greater Napanee council-mayor Terry Richardson and deputy mayor Brian Calver with councillors Bill Martin and Bob Norrie, were also on hand to witness the event with Hammond and a handful of firefighters.
“(The Napanee firefighters joining) brings our membership up to around 340,” said Sunstrum. “We’re growing.”
The Napanee Legion is always recruiting new members-not just those who have served in the military. For more information, call (613) 354-5275 or email branch137@gmail.com.