For 80 years, the Sugar Grove Volunteer Fire Department has provided the community with emergency services.
Over the weekend, residents turned out to mark the milestone with a jubilee celebration.
Tricia Donnell, ambulance squad leader and event organizer, said it was the first time for the celebration but hoped it would become an annual event.
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Dog control
Bryan Braley controls a firefighter dog in Saturday morning’s parade through Sugar Grove.
Turnout was high, Donnell said, with Saturday's parade drawing a large crowd.
For a fire department, Donnell said it is rare to continue operations for 80 years. She credited Sugar Grove with supplying the needed community support to reach this point.
"They give a lot to us," Donnell said. "This is our way of giving back."
While also a fundraiser, Donnell said she was not sure how much money the event would raise. It cost around $4,000, she said, and she hoped to at least break even.
In spite of the volunteer fire department's long history, it faces challenges which could impact its future. Finding volunteers is difficult right now, Donnell said, as many people face the challenges of working multiple jobs and raising families.
With the jubilee celebration, Donnell said she hoped it would increase interest in joining. She noted it included mechanical bull riding and street dance
"I'm thankful for the volunteers, and not just in our department but also from surrounding areas," Donnell said. "I hope we're here for another 80 years."