The Clearwater Fire Dept. Motorcycle and Car Run fundraiser on October 8 was a big success, with total funds raised exceeding their goal.

The event, held by the Fire Relief Assoc. and hosted by the Clearwater Sons of the American Legion (SAL), started out a little chilly but warmed up fast and turned into a beautiful day, with over 50 participants in the motorcycle and car run portion of the fundraiser.

The run began at the Clearwater Legion, with kickstands up at 11 a.m. Stops were held at Up the Creek, Bedrock, and Son of a Butcher, with giveaways at all three locations.

The remainder of the day’s events took place at the Clearwater Legion, starting with the spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 p.m., which was crowded with people eager to partake. The evening concluded with live music from 7 to 10 p.m.

Around 140 individuals and businesses donated to the silent auction and raffles, with big prizes including flag and firefighter artwork, ice fishing gear, Yeti cooler and fishing gear, bean bag boards adorned with the flag and firefighter emblem, and a Harley Davidson barrel table with the Clearwater Fire & Rescue emblem emblazed on the top.

“When I first walked into the room and saw all the things that had been donated I was kind-of overwhelmed,” said Fire Chief Mike Keller. “I can’t thank the community enough, all the individuals, businesses, and organizations that supported us.”

Thanks were also extended to the Fire Relief Assoc. and Clearwater SAL for holding the fundraiser and firefighters for volunteering their time. All the proceeds were donated to Clearwater Fire & Rescue.

The fundraiser was held to raise money for the new SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus) the department needs, which are the life-saving air packs firefighters wear into fires in order to breathe clean air. With their current SCBAs nearing the end of their useful life, the department was aware the time to purchase new ones was fast approaching and had planned for it, however, with inflation they were facing a budget shortfall.

The Clearwater Fire Dept. is always looking for new firefighters. Anyone who would like to apply is encouraged to stop by city hall to pick up an application.