PA Fish Fry Funds All-Volunteer Fire Department

When Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services hosts its Good Friday fish fry on April 3, every fish sandwich sold will help keep emergency response alive in two Pennsylvania towns.

SAVES serves Aspinwall and Sharpsburg as an all-volunteer fire department. That means no paid staff, no regular government funding, just neighbors who answer emergency calls day and night.

The department runs on two major fundraisers each year: a January Cash Bash and this Good Friday fish fry. The money pays for equipment maintenance, protective gear, training, and everything needed to keep firefighters ready to respond.

"While it may seem like a simple community tradition, this event plays a critical role in sustaining the essential services provided by this dedicated, all-volunteer department," said Kim Daniher, whose husband Mike serves as department chief.

For the second year, the event will take place at Camp Guyasuta, a 175-acre scouting property accessible from 23rd Street in Sharpsburg. The location offers eat-in dining after years of takeout only, plus beautiful views while people enjoy their meals.

The menu includes fish sandwiches for $10, fish dinners for $14, shrimp baskets for $8, and shrimp dinners for $12. Customers can dine in, take out, or get local delivery between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The Ripple Effect

SAVES represents something bigger than two Pennsylvania towns. Nearly 70% of fire services across America rely on volunteer departments like this one, according to national data.

These departments face constant challenges: rising equipment costs, fewer volunteers signing up, inconsistent grant funding, and increasing expenses for fuel and training. Yet volunteers keep showing up when their neighbors need help.

"Despite these challenges, the volunteers of Station 102 continue to answer the call, serving not only Aspinwall and Sharpsburg but wherever they are needed," Daniher said.

The camp's full kitchen and accessible facilities make it easier to bring the community together. Preorders will be accepted through 8 p.m. on April 2 at 412-680-4349 or through their Square site.

Every meal served is an investment in the people who run toward danger when everyone else runs away.