Who are we?
The Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department is a private association whose membership consists of the current and retired firefighters of the Summerfield Township Volunteer Fire Department in Monroe County, Michigan.
The primary purpose of the association is to provide training and resources to the Summerfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, and services to the residents of Summerfield Township and the City of Petersburg.
The secondary purpose of the the association is as a social avenue to encourage good citizenship, a feeling of fraternity among the members and a justifiable pride in the craft of firefighting.
The PVFD has purchased and donated many pieces of equipment for the Summerfield Township Volunteer Fire Department. At this time, perhaps the most visible example of this charity is the heavy rescue truck, 23-8. Several thousand dollars were donated by the PVFD to the Summerfield Township Volunteer Fire Department to be used towards the purchase of this truck several years ago. This truck is still regularly used on rescue and fire calls today.
One of the most visible services that the PVFD provides to the community occurs on Christmas eve. Along with donations from several area businesses and help from a local mens club called the Woodchuck Club, the association assists Santa Clause in visiting many area homes. Santa visits all homes in the City of Petersburg with a porch light on and any homes in the Township of Summerfield upon request. Santa brings bags filled with goodies for all children, so long as they have been good.
Funding
The association has two major sources of funding. The PVFD occasionally receives donations from various individuals and local organizations. Members of the PVFD also organize events for public relations and fund raising purposes.
Every other year in August, the PVFD hosts the Kelly-Miller circus on the grounds located behind the fire hall. The circus comes into town for two shows on one day.
An event which is organized annually by the PVFD is the Summerfield-Petersburg Community Day Festival. This event regularly attracts hundreds of visitors for the parade through Petersburg, held at noon on the third Saturday in July. Other festivities include a live band, a beer tent, and a horseshoe tournament.