Fire department gifted $1,500

ST. JOHN– The Volunteer Fire Department was presented with a $1,500 donation from the Rosalia non-profit The Rattling Pans Barbecue, during their annual Christmas party Friday, Dec. 20.

Public Works assistant Steve Gibson said the event spanning over 20 years had over 70 people show up, including retired firefighters and their spouses.

Co-owner of Rattling The Pans BBQ Dominic Petrovich said the money goes toward the volunteer firefighters ropes training coming up this spring in March or May.

"They go into learning how to harness up and use rigging to get into confined spaces like elevators, also off of steep embankments to package patients and lift them up so no one gets hurt," Petrovich said.

The nonprofit donates to the St. John Giving Tree every year and started out by catering the Rosalia Fire Department Hog Roast.

"It morphed into doing bigger things," Petrovich said.

Petrovich said the business tries to raise money through the year by catering for graduations, weddings and special events to donate to charitable causes in the county.

"A big thank you to Rattling the Pans for $1,500 towards ropes training," Gibson said, noting the training can cost approximately $4,200.

"It's a huge jump to do high angled rope and be certified to do it," Gibson said.