WVFD Caution on a Solicitation

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The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is concerned that a fundraising letter circulating around the state may mislead you into thinking the department and Weston would benefit in any way.

The letter sent by a Tennessee-based organization called the Volunteer Firefighter Alliance purports to be a “Connecticut Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Drive.” It expresses hope that the recipient “might agree to volunteer at one of the local volunteer fire departments in your area,” but assures that “you would not be required to fight fires.”

“Productive members of the community” have busy schedules, it reads, so the recipient is invited to make a cash donation instead.

No actual support

According to the WVFD, the National Volunteer Fire Council has determined that the Volunteer Firefighter Alliance does not actually provide financial support to any volunteer fire department. That finding is backed by our examination of the organization’s IRS tax filings.

Departments around the country have labeled the solicitation a potential scam. The organization’s website admits it “is not affiliated with any local volunteer fire department.” Charity Navigator assigns a zero-star “very poor” rating.

During the year, the Weston Volunteer Fire Department sends two fundraising letters to Weston households. One is sent around Memorial Day, the other around Thanksgiving.

If you ever want to verify that a fundraising letter or message is legitimate and actually comes from Weston Volunteer Fire, the department suggests sending them an email to contactus@wvfd.com.