Local Firefighter and Country Singer Unite to Support First Responders

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. –

A Newburg firefighter and⁤ a country music artist have joined ‍forces in a moving effort to support local first responders.⁤ Steve Johnson,a firefighter with teh Newburg Volunteer Fire Department,and country singer ⁣Gary Burk are embarking on a fundraising tour inspired by the ‍tragic passing of Butler County Fire chief Corey Comperatore at a rally ‍in 2024.

The partnership, launched in January, aims to benefit volunteer fire departments across ten districts in the region.‍ The initiative​ seeks to provide crucial support to the men and women who dedicate themselves ⁢to⁤ community safety.

The first event is scheduled ⁣for today at the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department, located at 2808 Washington Avenue, ​Altoona, running from 2 p.m. to​ 10 p.m. All proceeds generated ‌from the event will directly benefit local first responders.

The event features a lineup ​of local ⁢musical talent. “Today,⁤ we had⁣ ethan Eckenrode. Now ⁢on stage, we ​have Boontown. Next is Jack Watter. The next band is Novel hops.And then Gary will⁣ be our last, our main performance of the night,” explained Steve Johnson.

Gary Burk was emphatic about the⁣ event’s⁣ inclusive nature, stressing its non-political stance.”There’s not a firefighter or a first responder, one, that is going to knock on your door ‌and say, are you Democrat or Republican,” he stated. “It’s amazing. Like these are folks that just at the drop of a hat will come and save your house or ⁤get you out of a car accident. And they⁢ don’t ‍ask for‍ anything.”

Organizers encourage everyone to attend and enjoy ‌the event, which promises entertainment for all ages.⁤ Following the⁢ Altoona performance,‌ Gary Burk is scheduled to⁢ perform next Saturday at the Fireside Lounge in Hagerstown, Maryland.