Huntingburg Merchants donate $4,000 to fire department

The Huntingburg Merchants Association presented the Huntingburg Volunteer Fire Department with a $4,000 check from proceeds from the Spring Gala.

In its second year, the gala is an annual spring formal sponsored by the merchants.

According to Fire Chief Scott Patberg, he was surprised by the amount awarded the fire department because originally he was told the proceeds might be about $1,000.

He had felt the $1,000 could be used to support the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary but with the additional funds, he may look at upgrading some equipment for the fire department instead.

Linda Gehlhausen of Gehlhausen’s Flowers & Gifts presented the check to Chief Patberg at the Huntingburg Board of Public Works meeting Thursday.

“We realize what a vital part of our community this group is,” she said.