Beech Grove VFD Raises Over $26K at 9th Annual Father’s Day Fish Fry

Photos and Videos by Rita Shipp

Saturday, June 14, the community showed up in full force to support the Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department for their 9th Annual Father’s Day Fish Fry — and by just after 1:00 p.m., every plate of food was sold out.

Held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Beech Grove Fire Station, the event is the department’s largest fundraiser of the year, and despite weather-related cancellations of the car show and live music, attendance remained strong — and so did the spirit of those who came out.

Guests enjoyed hot catfish and shrimp plates, a bounce house for children, a dunking booth, a fully loaded raffle, and the opportunity to tour the newly expanded fire station and community pavilion. The LifeShare Blood Center was also on-site, offering free plates of food to donors — a gesture that supported a critical need.

“The fish is excellent! And we appreciate all the Beech Grove VFD and all local VFDs do,” said one attendee, echoing a sentiment shared by many.

By the end of the afternoon, the department had raised over $26,000, making this their most successful fundraiser to date. Since its inception, the annual fish fry has brought in close to $250,000 in total support for the department’s operations, equipment, and community-based projects.

Proceeds go directly toward improving local Fire and EMS response — including the Beech Grove Station Expansion, support for the Dixie Community Fire Station, the department’s new Community Pavilion, and upgrades to essential equipment and facilities.

Raffle prizes included a custom Henry .22 rifle (Firefighter Edition), multiple firearms donated by Lakes Area Pawn, a Pit Boss pellet grill and griddle combo, a Stihl chainsaw, a guided crappie fishing trip for eight, Burn Bags purses and travel gear made from recycled fire hose, a Turtle Box speaker and Grizzly backpack cooler, Stanley drinkware, and more.

Beech Grove VFD extended a heartfelt thanks to the many supporters, volunteers, and partnering agencies who contributed to the success of the day. Those agencies included:

Jasper County Emergency Services District #4, Jasper Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-Community VFD, Angelina River Fire and Rescue, East End VFD, Lake Rayburn Fire Department, Roganville VFD, Tyler County ESD #4 (Warren Fire & Rescue), Woodville Fire Department, Lumberton Fire & EMS, and Burkeville Fire Department, as well as Sheriff Chuck Havard, Joe Pomponio, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

“We’re just a community organization that happens to respond to emergencies,” the department wrote. “Because of you, we’re able to serve 365 days a year.”

With its 10th anniversary right around the corner, preparations are already underway for next year’s fish fry — a milestone celebration that Beech Grove VFD says will be bigger than ever.