The 2020 Red Kettle Public Safety Challenge included (clockwise from left) The Stevens Point Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Park Ridge Fire Department, Plover police & fire, the Portage Co. Sheriff's Office, and (center) Stevens Point Police Department, at various locations on Dec. 5. (Metro Wire photos)

Local law enforcement, firefighters, raise big bucks during Red Kettle Challenge

December 18, 2020

Metro Wire Staff

Public safety crews from across the Stevens Point and Plover areas raised over $9,000 during the 2020 Red Kettle Challenge.

Local law enforcement and fire departments step up for the annual challenge, ringing bells outside of local businesses to see which department can raise the most money for the Stevens Point Salvation Army.

The Stevens Point Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Park Ridge Fire Department, Plover police and fire, the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, and Stevens Point Police Department, all participated, using off-duty volunteers from their respective departments on Dec. 5.

The Stevens Point Fire Department came out on top, raising $2,979.61 at Fleet Farm; followed by the Plover Fire Department, which raised $2,099.26 outside Walmart.

The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, stationed at Metro Market, brought in $1,499.08, followed by the Park Ridge Fire Department, with $846.91. Plover police raised $860.98, and Stevens Point police raised $682.25 at Trigs. The Wisconsin State Patrol brought in $476.21.

Combined, the agencies raised $9,414.30.

The Salvation Army’s 2020 goal is to raise $200,000 to help local families in need. The campaign runs through Dec. 24. A “virtual” kettle has been set up at sastevespoint.org.