A flat bottom, airboat (for ice rescues) is pictured on Chautauqua Lake, 2023. The airboat and one other airboat and rescue boat will be housed in the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, Station Two once construction is completed. Currently, the walls and roof are done at the station; however, it still needs electric work and concrete floorings before it can house the department’s fleet of boats. Submitted photo

BEMUS POINT – The men and women of the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department are raising money to house the department’s lake rescue equipment.

According to bemuspointfire.com, the department will host a fundraising dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or until supplies run out, Saturday at the Bemus Point Fire Department, 13 Alburtus Ave.

Chicken barbecue and rib dinners with potato salad, cole slaw, roll, and water can be purchased from any member of the fire department, at the door or at bemuspointfire.com/new-products. Additionally, the department will also be selling t-shirts.

The continuing construction of Station Two is needed to house lake rescue equipment. Because of the proximity of the village to surrounding areas on Chautauqua Lake, the department is often called upon to conduct rescue missions and provide mutual aid to other fire departments year round.

“Due to our footprint with our local station – we are unable to house both our airboat (for ice rescues) and our rescue boat in our current station. We currently have the walls and roof done on Station Two; however, it still needs electric work, concrete flooring, and more construction before we can house our boats there,” the statement said.

“Due to cramped quarters at our main station we have the need for an appropriate storage facility for our boats. This is our only typical annual fundraising event, and this year the proceeds will be used to help pay for that building. We appreciate the community’s support, and we are committed to serving you at a time when you need us most,” said Jeff Molnar of the volunteer fire department and Bemus Point mayor. .

For more information go to bemuspointfire.com.