
An image of the letter that was sent to people in Derby.
The Derby Fire Department has received several inquiries from Derby residents about a solicitation letter that was sent via the USPS over the last several days. The letter is asking for monetary donations for the “Derby Area Volunteer Firefighter Drive” The letter originates from the Volunteer Firefighter Alliance out of Topeka, KS.
The letter is requesting funds/donations under the guise of recruiting volunteer firefighters for the Derby area. The letter goes on to say that if you can not volunteer, they are requesting a monetary donation to help fund the organization’s national recruitment effort.
We want to warn residents that this solicitation and this organization are NOT in any way affiliated with the Derby Fire Department. The Derby Fire Department receives NO compensation or moneys from this organization. In fact, the “so-called” recruitment list for potential volunteers referred to in the letter has never been sent to the Derby Fire Department.
We are asking residents not to send any money or information to this organization.
If anyone wants to donate they can donate directly to one of the four Derby Volunteer Fire Companies – Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1, Storm Engine Co. #2, East End Hose Co. #3, or the Paugassett Hook & Ladder Co. #4. T
The Derby volunteer fire companies do fundraising events throughout the year; most notably boot drives for funds.
Any fire company soliciting money through a mail campaign will do so using official company letterhead and stationary. The East End Hose Company are conducting one such campaign at this time.
The Derby Fire Department thanks all residents and donors for their continued support through the years.