Community

Undo’s Gives Back to McMechen Firefighters

MCMECHEN -- Undo's Restaurants made a $10,000 donation to the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday.

Herk Sparachane donated the money on behalf of Undo's Restaurants. He presented a check to McMechen VFD Chief Michael Conners, who said he was thankful for the donation. He noted that operating a fire department and purchasing equipment and vehicles gets more expensive each year.

"Everything costs so much more than when I got into this. A fire engine cost, I believe, $200,000, now you can expect to pay over $1 million for just one fire engine and it's the same type of vehicle," Conners said. "So the donation from Undo's is a godsend."

Sparachane said his donation was not earmarked for any specific item, but the department could decide how best to spend it.

"We gave $10,000 to Benwood VFD two months ago and said we would give McMechen the same," Sparachane said. "These guys don't get paid. They are here all hours of the night and they answer every call."

Sparachane said he knows firsthand how important volunteer EMTs and firefighters are in a community.

"I know McMechen probably saved my life once," he said. "And they were always there for my mom and dad. They're important to Undo's and the community."

Conners said the department has about 40 members but is always looking for new people to join.