Area first responders set to face-off for United Way campaign

ZANESVILLE, Ohio-  The United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties has announced their partnership with local first responders for a new campaign.

Zanesville’s fire department and police department will be campaigning to raise funds for a tug of war competition in September. Each department will recruit eight of their toughest first responders to raise awareness and donations for the United Way.

“It’s absolutely needed because just like I have been in this community for years, I had no idea what they do. More people need to be made aware of what they actually do and what they can do to help,” said Zanesville Police Department Capt. Chris Phipps.

Though each department may not agree on who will win, they both believe the event is a great way to raise local funds that stay in the community to benefit those in need.

“As a fire department we’re here to serve the public and they’re here to serve the community so it’s a natural partnership to me. It’s a good partnership where we can give back to the community and we can serve in another way,” said Zanesville Fire Chief Eric Waltemire.

The duel will take place on Thursday, September 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the Muskingum Family Y Park Central.

For more information about the United Way of MPM’s campaign or to stay up to date on the event, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofmpm/.