CHENANGO – The Chenango County Fire Chief’s Association and the Chenango County Red Knights are working together to create a financial assistance fund to aid firefighters when tragedy strikes them or their loved ones.

Association President Douglas Shattuck said the organizations decided to create a Chenango County Firefighter’s Fund following the recent death of a service member.

“Instead of waiting for a tragedy to happen, we thought it might be a good idea to have something already in place,” said Shattuck. “Not that this will take the place of any other fundraising, but it offers a place for a struggling family to start.”

The fund would provide assistance to a Chenango County firefighter or a member of their immediate family in the event of a life threatening illness or injury. The two organizations announced they would hold an annual fundraising event each year to collect donations. Shattuck said it would rotate each year to other communities and would be hosted by their local fire departments.