LAKE COUNTY ? Telephone solicitations asking for donations that will benefit Lake County firefighters have been reported to numerous firefighting agencies in the county.
“We don”t support or acknowledge these solicitations,” Chief Kenneth Wells from Lakeport Fire Protection District said.
“They didn”t even use our correct name. They said Lakeport Fire Department,” Wells said.
His words were mirrored around the county.
Chief Jim McMurray of Lake County Fire Protection District said “nobody has ever contacted us about soliciting for our department. We don”t do things that way. On behalf of our department, I would advise people not to contribute to any solicitations. All of our fundraising is done locally and not over the phone.”
Jim Robbins, Chief of Northshore Fire Protection District and president of the Chief”s Association added, “I heard about it yesterday from Ken Wells from City of Lakeport. We have no idea what it is.”
The source of the solicitation organization, Fred Cheney, of Bakersfield, said that “an employee must have strayed from the script.” Cheney is soliciting for the California Firemen”s Muster Association, but said there is no guarantee regarding what agency funds would be distributed to.
“There is a California Muster Association. They do have a Web site but they (the callers) are representing themselves as Cal Muster and that this fundraiser is going to be benefiting districts here and Lake County. They are misrepresenting themselves completely,” Robbins said.
“There is absolutely no fundraisers going on by any of the fire districts (in Lake County) or by the Chief”s Association.
People need to be very cautious. If they want to call the DA”s office and make a phone complaint they can. They (The DA”s office) are very aware of this and they are researching it now.”
Wells said that it”s really an unfair thing to do when all of the great, supportive people of Lake County are trying to make ends meet.
“If you get these (calls) please don”t give your money. I consider it inappropriate to mention my name and the district. It”s misleading if nothing else,” he said.
The District Attorney”s office said it is not investigating the case.
Wells wants Lake County residents to know that he and other fire personnel appreciate them and wants to thank those who support the fire agencies.
He said that anybody wanting to donate should “feel free to come to their local station.” He advises against mailing or giving pledges over the telephone.
Cheney agreed to send money back to Lake County residents who have already donated to his fundraising effort. Contact Fred Cheney at (661) 328-9200.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 ext.32
