CARLISLE - The Carlisle Fire & Rescue Facebook page caught people’s attention; posting they have a busy year of fundraising and orders were able to be placed to, “Get ahead on Super Bowl madness, and order wings.” Preorders were to be placed by February 1st for February 8th pick-up of mild, hot, garlic parm, BBQ, and dry wings. Also available was a wings selection called, "garbage," which had a secret blend of sauces crafted by Chief Curtis Smida who said of this unique option, “It is just a sauce I have played with for the last couple years as well as the garlic parm. I love eating wings so I just wanted to learn to make them myself and share with others to enjoy.”
President of the Carlisle FD & Support Services Vice President, Kathy Dixon, confirmed this was the first time they offered this chicken wing fundraiser and it surpassed the order amount thought they would receive with 204 dozen wings sold!
The Wings Sale event idea, “Just popped into my head,” explained Dixon, “Because no other departments really do it and I love to make wings.” Dixon added that many of the rest of the FD members love to make wings, too, and it was something different that allowed them to invite the public into their doors where they could see them working together as a team.
The Carlisle Fire Department and Support Services team were hard at work on Saturday to start preparations. Supplies needed to be gathered, vegetables needed cutting, containers of ranch and blue cheese were filled, and all of the sauces were made by Chief Curtis Smida.
The team effort continued on Super Bowl Sunday; Dixon credited a great turnout of Fire Department & Support Services members volunteering to help with the event, “When you came in the door our support services president confirmed your order and sauces wanted, and our treasurer Debi Christman collected payment.”
Dixon shared that their fundraising efforts are always helpful for obtaining new gear that makes their job easier and safer. Most recently, fundraising money was helpful in getting them ice rescue equipment to allow for speedier rescues if ever needed.
If you missed out on this opportunity or want another chance to support the Carlisle Fire Department and enjoy one of their delicious meals, Deputy Secretary Peter Croteau was on site Sunday to sell tickets to their next event and more tickets are still available. The Carlisle FD would like you to join them for their Spaghetti with Chicken Parmesan or Meatball Dinner on February 28th. Dinner starts at 4PM with eat-in or take out options. Sixteen dollar pre-orders are being accepted until February 18th through Fire Department members (who are at the Firehouse every Monday night, located at 2417 US-20), or by calling Kathy Dixon at (518) 859-8467.
Make sure to follow Carlisle Fire & Rescue on Facebook for future event updates including breakfast and lunch items they cook 4 times a year at the Sharon Springs farm machinery and construction equipment MacFadden & Sons, Inc. Auctions. There will also be their April chicken barbecue drive-up fundraiser where they offer chicken halves, and they also cook for several clubs as fundraisers for sit-down dinner events.
Dedicated volunteers and happy customers enjoying the Carlisle Fire Department’s Super Bowl Chicken Wings Sale. Pictured: Brian Broussard, Brad Mattice, Paul Briggs, Devan Smida, Curtis Smida, Larry Daly, Laura Hoyt, & Taylor Schroeder. Missing from photo: Veronica Smida, Debi Christman Eric Schroder, Peter Croteau, Linda Heidenfelder, Doug Face and Kathy Dixon. Photos and full officers list provided by Kathy Dixon. Carlisle Fire Department 2026 Officers include: Fire Department Chief Curtis Smida, 1st Assistant Chief Eric Schroeder, 2nd Assistant Chief Brad Matice, Captains Paul Briggs Jr. & Larry Daly, and Lieutenants Devan Smide & Jack Brown. Administrative President: Kathy Dixon, 1st Vice President Taylor Schroeder, 2nd Vice President Veronica Smida, Treasurer June Collins, Secretary Peter Croteau, Fire Police Captain Doug Face, Support Services President Veronica Smida, Vice President Kathy Dixon, Secretary Laura Hoyt, & Treasurer Debi Christman.