BY PC MAYOR MIKE SNIDER

In 1870, then-Port Clinton Mayor Dr. Charles Bainbridge organized the first fire department in Port Clinton, originally named the Bainbridge Hook & Ladder Company. This organization evolved into what is today known as the Port Clinton Fire & Rescue Department (PCF&RD).

The department progressed from a bucket brigade to a modern, well-trained and equipped department that can respond to a wide variety of calls for service. I’m certain Dr. Bainbridge is looking down with pride and accomplishment for what he started over 150 years ago.

In 1870, the department would sell annual memberships to local citizens and business owners. In return for their membership, the family/business would be given a small plaque to hang above the main door of their dwelling. If the structure caught fire and the plaque was displayed, the fire was put out. No plaque, and the fire would not be extinguished.

Today there are still some departments in the USA that operate in that fashion. However, funding for the PCF&RD comes from a variety of sources: a fire levy for PC residents, contracts for Fire & EMS with Portage Township, contracts for EMS service in Catawba and Bay Townships and the Port Clinton Fire Fighters Association (PCFFA).

No one is quite sure how long the PCFFA has been around. It’s made up of the members of the PCF&RD and holds the primary responsibility to identify equipment needs of the department and find means of fulfilling those needs.

In recent years, the PCFFA has acquired an ARGO, which is an all-terrain vehicle used on land and water to transport first responders to/from a remote location like marsh or farm field or to bring victims from a remote scene to a waiting ambulance or helicopter. Additionally, miles of hose, turnout gear, specialized tools like the jaws of life, ladders, saws, Auto-Pulse (automated CPR machine) and much more have been acquired as a result of the PCFFA actions.

The PCFFA plans and conducts multiple events each year to generate the funds needed to equip the department. One such event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at the PCF&RD Station located at 1755 E. State Street – the Annual Feather Party.

What is a Feather Party?

Well, the best explanation I have is – a series of raffles for food. Although no one is certain when it started, many can remember a pen of live turkeys at the old fire station on 2nd Street where birds – feathers and all – were given to the lucky winners. Today frozen turkeys, hams, shrimp, steaks and other items are raffled in a night of fun and fellowship. Bake sales, 50/50 raffles, door prize give-a-ways, TV with college football to watch and other events make the evening fun for the entire family.

Hope to see you on Nov. 9 at the PCF&RD Annual Feather Party. I’ll be selling 50/50 tickets.