The 10th Annual Boots and Bullets event, held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Dayton Community Center, brought together a packed ballroom of community members eager to support the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department (DVFD).
While the final tally of funds raised is still being calculated, Fire Chief Chad Glatfelter anticipates the event generated slightly less than last year. The funds will go toward providing equipment, maintenance, and apparatus for the volunteer fire department.
“We just appreciate the community’s support. As always, being a volunteer organization, we turn to our community, and they always come through for us. We greatly appreciate it,” said Glatfelter. “While this was our 11th year for Boots and Bullets, this was actually our 10th event as we don’t count the year that COVID kept us from having an event.”
DVFD, operating as a volunteer organization despite serving one of Liberty County’s largest cities, is supported by approximately 30 volunteers. In addition to the current members, former firefighter and former Dayton Councilman Alvin Burress continues to play key roles in organizing the annual fundraiser.
During the event, DVFD honored its original Boots and Bullets committee members: Amanda Wilson, Murphy Green, John Coleman, Tammy Alexander, and Alvin Burress. They also thanked all past and present committee members.
“Throughout all of the challenges of the last year, the department still ran 787 calls,” said Burress. “That’s not just within the city; that’s within the county as well. With all the growth coming and the new homes being built, even though the square mileage of Dayton hasn’t changed, there are more households, more vehicles, and more businesses in the city. It’s a lot of responsibility on 30 volunteers, and it speaks volumes about those members. It shows the love they have for the community, and the event shows the love the community has for the fire department.”
One of the most poignant moments of the evening was a tribute to the late Pct. 4 Commissioner Leon Wilson, a proud supporter of Boots and Bullets. A moment of silence was held in his memory.
Later, an emotional auction involving a Winchester rifle donated by the Wilson family captured the crowd’s attention. A bidding war erupted between Wilson’s son, Leon Wilson II, and Dwayne and Stefani Pope. The rifle, which came with a commemorative plaque, held sentimental value for Wilson II, who ultimately lost the auction once it reached $10,000. However, in a heartwarming gesture, the Popes revealed that their intent was to return the rifle to the Wilson family.
The room erupted in applause, and many were moved to tears as the rifle found its way back home. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening—a community united by generosity, respect, and friendship.
