Dunlap community fundraises by selling fireworks

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) — In preparation for the Fourth of July on Tuesday, Dunlap is selling fireworks in support of local organizations.

Fireworks have been popular for many years in the valley.

Sequatchie County has a history of local organizations selling fireworks to raise funds.

“It’s everything. People don’t realize how much money it takes, and all of us on both departments are volunteers,” Captain of the Sequatchie Co. Rescue Squad Michael Scoggins said.

The Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department and Sequatchie Co. Rescue Squad sell fireworks every year to raise funds for equipment and other costs.

“It supports us. It gives us extra money for special training that we don’t get budgeted and stuff through the city,” Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department auxiliary member Rusty Cheatham said.

Money from the firework fundraisers has provided new fire engines and even side-by-sides.

“Money that you come and spend with us, it goes back into the building fund, which that buys us equipment. Anything we need to help the community to better our job, is what we do with the money. So if you come and buy fireworks with us, you’re buying our equipment too,” Scoggins said.

The funds are used to benefit the citizens of Dunlap, Sequatchie County, and anywhere else that may need emergency response. 

The rescue squad will be selling fireworks until July 5, then will close down until New Years.

The organizations want to encourage people to shop and support locally.

“We encourage everybody to be careful, be safe, we have instructions here on fireworks,” Scoggins said.

Along with the annual firework show on July Fourth, the organizations encourage people to come out to daily festivities at Harris Park and the annual parade.

There will be festivities going on from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.