by Emma Lissow
The Ladies Auxiliary of Hilton Fire Department was organized on April 21, 1925, and according to the original mission statement, was meant to “assist the Hilton Fire Company in any way that seems fit.” This year marks 100 years of service for the volunteer organization. To put things into perspective, the Auxiliary was founded two years before Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, three years before the discovery of Penicillin, and four years before the Wall Street Crash, ultimately launching the U.S. into the Great Depression. The Auxiliary has remained a strong, vital asset to the Hilton community over the last century.
Today, the Auxiliary and its women remain a testament to the community connections and volunteerism we see in Hilton, just as they did when the group was initially founded. From the yearly Open House, Chicken Barbecue, and Hilton Fire Department Carnival, to the fire calls that come in at all hours of the night and regardless of weather conditions, the Ladies Auxiliary has consistently shown up.
In 2020, when the COVID-19 Pandemic brought immense uncertainty to the world, the Auxiliary adapted to the situation and met virtually to ensure there was continued operation. In April 2024, when our area was experiencing the excitement in anticipation of being in the Path of Totality for the Total Solar Eclipse, the Auxiliary worked nonstop to prepare food and provide support to the Fire Department and first responders who were staging around the Hilton-Parma area. While the weather on Eclipse Day was not what anyone hoped for, the Auxiliary still played an important role on that day.
The Auxiliary is incredibly grateful for the dedication of its members and how much time they are willing to give. Whether from a behind-the-scenes aspect in which members are organizing events, planning for the future, managing their committees, or those who show up in the moment when they are called to assist, the Auxiliary consists of incredible volunteers. Numerous members have decades of service, with some having 20, 30, and even over 50 years of active service. The Auxiliary is especially grateful for its past members – women who paved the way for what we see today.
Coming up in July, the Auxiliary will again take part in the annual Carnival, serving waffles, pizza, and beef on weck. You will also see many members marching in the parade on Thursday, July 10, as they make their way down to the Carnival grounds. Thank you to the community and to the Hilton Fire Department for all of your continued support as the Auxiliary celebrates this momentous 100th anniversary.
