The Aurora Firemen's Association is again selling tickets for its annual benefit raffle. The drawing will take place July 4, with first prize of $1,000, second of $500 and third of $250.
In addition to funding association expenses, the raffle money is used to purchase equipment not included in the city budget.
Tickets recently were mailed to all Aurora addresses, and additional tickets can be purchased at Fire Station 1 for $10 each.
Some of the past purchases which were possible from raffle drawing receipts are:
* Two onboard battery chargers for LifePac 12 heart monitors.
* Masimo Model RAD-57 portable pulse oximeter for noninvasive measurement of methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin in the blood.
* Three Pedia-Mate restraint systems for transport cots to hold infants/toddlers on cots during treatment and transport.
* Five CPR training mannequins.
* Three Hot Sack IV warming packs.
* Two Garmin Nuvi 200W GPS navigating device for mutual aid calls in unfamiliar areas.
* Blood pressure and pulse oximetry monitoring module for LifePact 12 heart monitor.
* Fuel cell style battery charger for LifePac 12 heart monitor.
* Four fuel cell batteries.
* Three grants for AFD part-timers to become paramedic certified.
* Two Stryker stair chair devices to assist patients on cots in difficult to reach places.
In addition to the fire/medical equipment, the department maintains the 1929 American LaFrance truck, Aurora's first one. It was refurbished by association members in the 1970s and its engine has been replaced with help from the Aurora Historical Society.
Among other things the association supports are youth baseball, the community theater, AHS yearbook, Relay For Life, Red Cross bloodmobiles, annual family festival, Veterans Memorial and National Fallen Firefighters Association.