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SHICKSHINNY — If Shickshinny state troopers were likened to a Christmas character over the weekend, Scrooge would be a good description, according to Holly Morris.

Morris, secretary of the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Department, said several fire fighters had gathered at the intersection of Routes 11 and 239 on Saturday to collect money during their annual “boot drop” collection, the fire department’s major fundraiser of the year, when they were approached by state Trooper Steve Steransky, Jr.

Morris said Steransky then cited them, apologizing for having to do so.

The annual fundraiser which had, according to Morris, been held without incident for more than 10 years, seeks to take advantage of an increase in traffic during both Saturdays of the Bloomsburg Fair.

She said the department sorely needs the revenue to keep it afloat.

“We receive about $3,000 from the borough,” she said, “and our insurance is $12,000.”

She said passersby seemed more than happy to place coins or dollar bills in the boots as they made their way to the fair, many commenting to the fire fighters they thought their contribution was going to a good cause.

She said volunteer fire fighters participating in the event wore reflective clothing, utilized safety cones and were careful to avoid dangerous situations.

Although she is aware the “boot drops” are technically illegal and volunteers were asked to leave the area last year, Morris took the presence of other similar efforts along roadways which area residents historically travel to get to the fair, as an indication the effort could resume this year.

Morris’ husband, Kevin, is chief of the fire department and also a minority member of the borough council.

He suspects this is the result of bad blood between him and other political officials.

Morris lists other similar events in the area that were not interrupted on Saturday which he said included those held by both the Bloomsburg and Buckhorn volunteer fire departments and the Northwest High School band.

At the end of the day, or more accurately in the middle of it, Nichole Davis and her husband, Randy Davis Sr., were cited for interfering with traffic at an intersection.

Although online records reflect citation of Nicole Davis only, Morris said both husband and wife received citations.

The citations, which include fines, will mean a trip before the magistrate for the Davises.

The Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Department has decided to hire a lawyer for the two and pay any subsequent fines.

Although the volunteer fire fighters continued their fundraising efforts following the citations, using posters to request donations, the legal action made a dent in both the morale and finances of the organization.

“I usually stay out of controversy,” said Holly Morris, “but this is a matter of putting an additional burden on an organization committed to keeping our residents safe.”

State Police at Shickshinny declined comment.
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<img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_09261512421.jpg" alt="" />
<div class="neCaption">Following a boot drop shut down by State Police Shickshinny, members of the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Department continued to solicit donations, letting passing motorists know they had been cited for what they perceived to be a charitable undertaking.</div>
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<div class="metaInfo">https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_09261512421.jpgFollowing a boot drop shut down by State Police Shickshinny, members of the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Department continued to solicit donations, letting passing motorists know they had been cited for what they perceived to be a charitable undertaking. Submitted photo</div>
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By Geri Gibbons

ggibbons@www.timesleader.com

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons

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Shickshinny firefighters cited during fundraiser