Unity company holds First Responders Appreciation Day to benefit local volunteers

The blue skies arrived just in time for Saturday’s annual First Responders Appreciation Day.

The event outside Nickos Chimney Co. on Route 30 in Unity was started four years ago by employee Lisa Tatsch. It’s a way for workers and volunteers to give back to local first responders.

All proceeds from Saturday’s event were directed to volunteer firefighters in Latrobe, Marguerite and Blairsville, she said.

“I think it’s important because they risk their lives every day to save us,” she said.

Chris Mathews sliced flavorful brisket and Monty Agostino turned juicy chicken wings on a grill in the business parking lot while visitors made donations before grabbing food.

“We’re cooking them low and slow,” Agostino said.

Meanwhile, raffle tickets were sold inside for donated baskets and other drawings. A couple state police cars and Westmoreland County park police SUV pulled into the parking lot around noon.

Tatsch said for the first few years of the event, which is always held the last Saturday in July, proceeds were directed to the state police Shop With A Cop program, which pairs police with children in the community for a holiday shopping spree.

This year switched gears with the donations being directed to volunteer fire departments.

“It helps out a great cause,” she said.

Fellow employee Gay Moffa said next year they will pick different fire departments to benefit from the event.

“Usually, we do quite well,” she said.

Marguerite Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Forsyth hoped so.

“It’s very important,” he said. “We live on a fixed budget; we don’t bring in a lot of money.”

He parked the department’s fire truck in the lot, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the expensive equipment volunteers need to keep the community safe. Plus, it‘s a good tool for recruitment efforts, he said.

“We appreciate Nickos Chimney for including us in this event,” Forsyth said.