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Rescue operation
Staff writer
sbeveridge@observer-reporter.com
There has been an outpouring of support, including a $10,000 pledge from a bank, for a struggling Washington County fire department.
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"In a way, we're trying to look after our customers," said First Federal President Scott O'Neil, whose company last year opened a branch near the village of Taylorstown.
"We kind of have a fond spot in our hearts for fire departments," he said.
William R. McDonough, 42, of Claysville, agreed last month to return $70,000 that he was accused of stealing from the department while he served as its president and treasurer between 2003-06. If he repays the sum by April 8, the department will permit state police to withdraw the criminal case against him.
After the tentative settlement was reached Feb. 25, firefighter Rich Joyce told a reporter that his members had "gear that I wouldn't put on a dog."
Because of its losses, donations have been made to Taylorstown from fire departments in Kittanning, Washington, Finleyville, Bentleyville, Canonsburg and North Strabane Township, said Glenn Huston, the new fire department president.
"One guy sent a check for $100 with a sticky note with 'God bless you,' on it," Huston said Tuesday, when he was in Washington picking up a donation of boots from the city fire department.
The fire department has been surviving on the sales of hoagies, Huston said, and it has even put one of its buildings on the market for $60,000.
"We're doing everything we can," he said.
He said First Federal asked the department for a "wish list" that firefighters expected to result in a $500 donation.
The much larger donation from the bank is viewed by the volunteers as verification that trust has been returned to the reorganized fire department.
"If someone sneezes now, we all know," Huston said.
"We need to look forward to tomorrow," fire Chief Mike McDonough said.
The fire department will hold an open house for local residents, as well as those from neighboring Buffalo Township, at 7 p.m. March 31 in the fire hall.
