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“The “Utica Matches” is the women’s Auxillary, organized in April 1968. The group was comprised of firemen’s wives, working together with fellowship and sharing, while striving to support the needs pertaining to the Utica Fire and Ambulance Department and the residents of the Utica Fire and Ambulance Protection District.” Over the years, many members have come and gone. As the number of Volunteer firemen dwindled, so did the membership of the women’s Auxiliary.
The merger of the Fire Department and the Ambulance Service, brought a new found interest to rekindle the Utica Matches. In June of 2005, the “Utica Matches” decided to regroup and restructure their organization, to include the women and wives of the EMS side of the Utica Fire and Ambulance Protection District. The first meeting was called to order on July 7th, 2005. The organization is now known as the Utica Fire / EMS Auxiliary.
At the Burgoo Festival, the Matches sold magnetic Auto ribbons, supporting Firefighters and EMT’s. In December, they collected 354 pounds of food for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry. The members are currently selling the Utica Matches Cookbook, “Cooking with Fire and EMS”.
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