April 25, 2015 - (Album) The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department held their annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2015 which included barbecue, cakes and a Jaws of Life competition.
At 11am the event began with barbecue plates for sale and several items offered as raffle items for a raffle to be drawn on the week before Father's Day. Some of the items in this raffle include a NAPA battery starter and charger, large propane tank, 58 piece tool set, 2 piece tool chest, and a 4000 watt generator.
When 5:30pm arrived firemen from two teams donned their bunker gear and got to work with Jaws of Life as they began cutting into a car and a SUV to see who would finish first. Usually the firemen are using these tools in the middle of a roadway or just beside it 
as they try to free a trapped driver or passenger following a crash.
Although both teams worked quickly, the team working on the car finished first. The result of the win meant the other team had to wash the fire trucks next time they are due a scrubbing.
Following the demonstration a cake walk was held in the middle of the street in front of the fire department. Participants gathered on the cake walk squares and began walking them. When the music stopped and their number was called, they were presented with a cake in most instances. Local cooks were generous enough to share their cooking skills and present the cakes to the fire department for auction.
The fire department was grateful to Jeff Dean, Cornerstone Construction, for donating the labor for roof repair the fire department needed. They also were very appreciative to the list of other donors for the event which are as follows: Smith Towing & Recovery; Joaquin Quick Stop; Ultrashade; Ellen Cogswell; Neil Golden; Dean's Hardware; Wilson Supply; Haslam Sales; Ace Hardware of Center; Tractor Supply; Wal Mart; Brookshire Brothers; WhatABurger; and Napa Auto Parts.
