Turkey shoot at East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department draws crowd of good Samaritans. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

I've never met a finer bunch of folks than those who attended the East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department Turkey Shoot and Auction on November 14, 2004. I can honestly say this as when you have people bidding between $50 and $250 on apple cobbler and cakes you know they are either very kind hearted and generous or awfully hungry, and given that most everyone had already filled up on delicious flame broiled burgers and sausage, I think it is goodness of heart which everyone was showing at the auction.

Ramey May takes aim to win a turkey at a firing range setup behind the East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

The turkey shoot consisted of some 21 matches of up to ten shooters each in the categories of rifle, shotgun and pistol. Each person paid $3.00 to compete getting one shot per match. The winner in rife and pistol was the marksman hitting closest to the center of the target; for shotgun the winner was the one grouping the most shots inside the target.

Volunteer fire fighters monitor the firing line as shooters take aim and prepare to fire. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

I was quite impressed to see such a good turnout for the turkey shoot. There were men, boys and even a few women competing in the matches. One fellow I spoke with, Ronnie Wade, said he had already won three turkeys. Judging from many of the targets I saw peppered with buckshot I'd not want to be a deer or turkey in any of these gentlemen's or women's sights.

A young lad prepares to fire at targets down the firing range. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

The Fire Chief, Mr. Paul Mc Carra, said that the East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department had been established in 1989; they will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in January of 2010. Currently the fire department has four trucks including a large tanker which enables them to fight fires throughout the rural area east of Quitman which they service.

Ronnie Wade rests his rifle upon a hay stack sighting the target down range. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

All the volunteers carry a pager such that if a call comes into 911 they will be able to respond immediately no matter where they are or what they are doing. Volunteers are trained and certified to fight fires and can respond to house fires or automobile accidents, providing a valuable public service to the community.

Paul McCarra, the Fire Chief, conducts an auction after the turkey shoot. A number of cakes brought in between $100 and $250 dollars from generous contributors. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

I also spoke with Mr. Wendell Buffington, the Assistant Fire Chief. He has been a volunteer for some 19 years and spoke with pride about his many years of service. Wendell said that the fire department bought the frozen turkeys for the shoot which is their annual fund raiser. The money raised from the turkey shoot and auction is used to help provide for much needed equipment and pay expenses.

Operating a volunteer fire department is an expensive proposition. While researching this matter I came across an article about the Northeast Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in the Meridian Star by Brian Livingston which said:

"Volunteer fire departments receive a small fire rebate check from the Mississippi State Insurance Commissioner's Office. The engines and trucks are also bought through the county as is the fuel and insurance. Volunteer departments also get donations through their community water associations as residents contribute money through their water bills. But despite all this volunteer fire departments, which are self-containing, non-profit organizations whose sole purpose is to protect the residents and their property, still have enormous costs ... to fully outfit one firefighter in full turnout gear and a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) costs upwards of $7,000. That is not including the cost of training and replacing worn out equipment."

As you can see, it is an expensive proposition to operate a volunteen fire department. In my opinion those who attended the turkey shoot and auction contributing to this worthy cause were all very good Samaritans!

Jody Jones sits watching the auction with her child as the wall hanging behind her says "God Bless America," which certainly reflects the common prayer and sentiment I was feeling after having the opportunity to observe a family of volunteer fire fighters come together for a turkey shoot on such a fine, sunny Saturday morning. PHOTO by Terry Lynch

The East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department has high expenses and depends greatly upon the generosity of private individuals. If you were not able to make the turkey shoot you can contact the East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department and make a donation. Your help and support may contribute to fighting fires and saving homes and lives in those areas of rural Clarke County serviced by the East Quitman Volunteer Fire Department.

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