HICKORY, N.C. — The City of Hickory Fire Department says it is not soliciting funds for the city’s fire department.
A local firefighters union is conducting a phone survey, but it is unrelated to the City of Hickory Fire Department. The city has received a number of complaints about a telephone fund-raiser in the name of the city’s fire department.
The city says the only fundraiser the Hickory Fire Department is involved in is the Christmas Bikes for Tykes initiative through the Catawba County Christmas Bureau.
Hickory Fire Chief Fred Hollar says, “All salaries and operational costs are paid for by a budget that is approved and adopted by the Hickory City Council,” he continued, “If there is a need for more resources, we go through the policy set up with the City of Hickory.”
Concerned citizens are encouraged to call the Hickory Fire Department at 323-7420 to check the validity of any solicitation said to be related to the fire department.
“Any time one considers giving any solicited donations, you should be sure where the funds are going,” said Hickory Chief Fred Hollar. “Don’t take the word of a telemarketer; research the agency before you give.”
