If Shickshinny state troopers were likened to a Christmas character over the weekend, Scrooge would be a good description, according to Holly Morris.
Morris, secretary of the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Department, said several fire fighters had gathered at the intersection of Routes 11 and 239 on Saturday to collect money during their annual “boot drop” collection, the fire department’s major fundraiser of the year, when they were approached by state Trooper Steve Steransky, Jr.
Morris said Steransky then cited them, apologizing for having to do so.
The annual fundraiser which had, according to Morris, been held without incident for more than 10 years, seeks to take advantage of an increase in traffic during both Saturdays of the Bloomsburg Fair.
She said the department sorely needs the revenue to keep it afloat.
“We receive about $3,000 from the borough,” she said, “and our insurance is $12,000.” She said passersby seemed more than happy to place coins or dollar bills in the boots as they made their way to the fair, many commenting to the fire fighters they thought their contribution was going to a good cause.
She said volunteer fire fighters participating in the event wore reflective clothing, utilized safety cones and were careful to avoid dangerous situations.
Although she is aware the “boot drops” are technically illegal and volunteers were asked to leave the area last year, Morris took the presence of other similar efforts along roadways which area residents historically travel to get to the fair, as an indication the effort could resume this year.