NKF&R receives a rockin’ donation

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, September 6, 2006

KINGSTON — North Kitsap Fire & Rescue received a donation last week from a group that — at first glance — might seem interested only in the grunge scene. At second glance, however, the long hair and guitars fade away, showing that some of the members have been helped by local firefighters.

Those musicians, Joey Reid and Troy Barber from the band Guttersnake, decided to show their appreciation for the assistance they received by hosting a concert to raise money for the North Kitsap Community Partnership Fund.

“We wanted to do this for a long time,” Reid said. “And we were finally able to pull it off.”

The all-ages concert, held Aug. 26 in Poulsbo, raised about $550 for the fund, and brought in more than 300 pounds of food for the Kitsap Food Bank Coalition. It boasted 10 local bands, which rocked out for a good cause.

Reid and Barber presented the check to NKF&R Captain Sean Moran Aug. 29. It will be used to purchase smoke alarms, lifejackets, helmets and other safety supplies that can be given to families and children who may not be able to afford them otherwise.

“We gave out six lifejackets this morning,” Moran said after receiving the check. “That’s six kids who are now protected. Who knows how many kids are protected now because they have those lifejackets?” Reid and Barber each received help from NKF&R officials when they needed it most. In 2004, Barber’s then 3-year-old son suffered a sudden seizure that almost killed him. NKF&R crews airlifted him to Children’s Hospital in Seattle, and the Partnership Fund allowed NKF&R officials to give Barber and his wife money for gas and ferry fare to get to the hospital.

In 1999, the house Reid was living in with his family and best friend was destroyed by a fire.

“My best friend and roommate was killed in that fire,” he told NKF&R crews. “You guys really helped us out with providing food and a place to stay while we got ourselves together again. I’ll never forget that.”

“We’ve been wanting to do something to help out local charities for a while,” Barber said, adding that he and Reid remembered the help they received from NKF&R and wanted to add to the fund that aided them. “With you guys, it’s personal.”

“It’s an inspiration,” Moran said. “It’s amazing that you remember what we do, and it means a lot to us.”

After handing over the check, Reid and Barber were treated to a tour of the station and friendly conversation as they discussed music with the firefighters on duty.

In the future, Reid and Barber said they would like to play more all-ages shows, and are searching for concert venues.