On January 30, 1954 there was a special meeting of the Bedford firemen and their wives. The purpose of this meeting was organizing a local Auxiliary. The Fire Chief at that time was Mr. Henry Turner. Mrs. John Mitchell, Acting Chairman, introduced Mrs. Helen Williams, President of the State Auxiliary, and her mother, Mrs. J. W. Travers, from Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs. Travers was the first president of the State Auxiliary. Mrs. Inez Gross was elected first President of the Bedford Auxiliary. Membership was open to any active fireman or deceased fireman’s wife, mother, daughter or sister; there were 29 charter members. The Bedford Fire Department gave the Auxiliary $25.00 with which to start their Treasury. Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Overstreet gave a treasurer’s book, Mrs. J.W. Travers gave a Bible and Mrs. Helen Williams gave a gavel and collection basket. (These items are still being used today.)

The purpose of the Auxiliary shall be to aid the Fire Department in every way possible, to foster it’s every cause, to stand behind and uphold it in everything it undertakes and to render any assistance possible at all times. The main objective of the Fire Department Auxiliary is Fireman’s Relief.

Once again the auxiliary will be selling their Easter eggs and bunnies to raise money for the fire department. We will begin taking orders at the end of February. If you like to place an order please contact Kelly Cunningham at 587-6663

The annual Christmas dinner was held on December 1st and we had a great turnout. The kids loved Santa coming by to deliver gifts. All members and their families received a specialized ornament and a bag of homemade candy made by the auxiliary. We want to thank all the firemen and their families for all the support they’ve given to us this year. We also recognized those members of the auxiliary who have had over 5 years of service with a special gift. Congratulations ladies and thank you for all your service.

Our Longaberger Basket was a HUGE success this year. We gave out 20 baskets to all the bingo winners. We gave out numerous Longaberger door prizes and cup prizes. We had a great turnout for our silent auction which featured all Longaberger products. Since August we had been selling chance tickets for the chance to win a Longaberger Basket or a framed PBuckley Moss print. Those 2 winners were announced at the bingo. The entire event was a great success and we look forward to making our 3rd bingo bigger and better. We would like to thank the Bedford Moose Lodge for its continued support of our organization and we want to give a HUGE… thanks for the fireman who assisted us during the bingo.

Proceeds from the bingo went to the fire department. If you’d like more information on our next bingo please contact Kelly Cunningham at 587-6663