WAYNESBORO, Pa. — The Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department gathered with supporters on Friday, March 6, to celebrate outstanding community support, financial milestones and acts of generosity that continue to strengthen emergency services across Franklin County.
President Aaron Baginski opened the event by thanking department volunteers for their dedication and the community for their ongoing support. He also expressed appreciation to Washington Township officials and Pennsylvania State Rep. Chad Reichard for their continued advocacy for local emergency services.
Former WVFD President Mike Bock addressed the crowd, announcing that the department’s 20-year loan for Ladder 2 has been paid off in just eight years. He credited consistent community support through chicken barbecues, Dual Bash events, bingo nights, online fundraisers and township funding for making the early payoff possible.
The next Dual Bash, hosted jointly by the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department and the Mont Alto Fire Department, is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Mont Alto Carnival Grounds. Tickets are $10 each and are available from members or at the fire station.
Fire Chief John Beck also recognized Richard and Linda Hovis for their generous $15,000 donation, which allowed the department to purchase four iPads—now mounted in each apparatus—and to install the latest firefighting software. Among its features, the new system includes hydrant mapping tools to help firefighters locate water sources quickly during emergencies.
Deputy Chief Casey Rock presented a plaque to Richard and Linda Hovis in honor and memory of their son, Matthew Roy Hovis. The plaque will be displayed permanently within the fire station.
Leaders emphasized that community involvement and continued participation in fundraisers remain crucial to maintaining and upgrading emergency response equipment serving Waynesboro, Washington Township and surrounding Franklin County communities.
