Milan Firefighters Raise Funds for Tennessee Department Hit by Hurricane Helene

Tennessee was one of six southeastern states devastated by Hurricane Helene after it made landfall on Sept. 26. The storm, which killed over 230 people, with hundreds still unaccounted for, washed away the Elk Mills-Poga Fire Department, in Butler. “They lost everything — their station house, equipment and firefighting apparatus,” said Milan Volunteer Fire Department chief Jeff Galm. “We knew we had to do something to help.”

Galm credited Red Hook Fire Company chief Michael Lane with suggesting the fundraiser. “Mike called me asking for donations,” he said. A former RHFC secretary now living in Tennessee had notified Lane about the catastrophic losses suffered by the Elk Mills-Poga department, inspiring him to start a program to collect supplies like clothing, paper goods and bottled water.

“Red Hook has almost three trailers full of items that they’ll haul to Tennessee,” Galm said. “Now he can bring the money we raise, too.”

Galm contacted Peggy Coons, the Milan Rescue Squad captain, and within three days the two organized a pancake benefit breakfast held on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Milan Town Hall.

“Ten volunteers from our fire department and support squad gave up their Sunday to help out,” said Galm.

Other fire companies pitched in too, including volunteers from Ghent, Red Hook and Taghkanic.

“And Hannaford Supermarket in Red Hook donated over 300 eggs,” said Galm. “We’ve had such a good turnout that we had to make an emergency run to buy more!”

At final count, 100 attendees enjoyed the breakfast and a total of $5,900 was raised, with $3,000 of that coming from one anonymous donor. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Elk Mills-Poga Fire Department.