Police, Fire Raise Over $10K During Red Kettle Challenge

Plover Police Dept. bests brethren in friendly annual competition |

By Brandi Makuski

Plover police on Dec. 9 raised more money than any other emergency services agency in the county during the 2017 Public Safety Red Kettle Challenge.

In an effort to generate public enthusiasm for its largest fundraiser each year, the Salvation Army of Portage County holds special theme days during its Red Kettle Campaign. Themes include friendly challenges between branches of the Armed Forces, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers fans, various elected officials, and local police and fire agencies.

Law enforcement officers from the Wis. State Patrol, Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, Stevens Point and Plover police departments, along with firefighters from Stevens Point, Plover and Park Ridge all endured six hours of freezing temps while stationed at various grocery and department stores. The groups rang bells, played Christmas music and and carols.

According to Salvation Army Director Bob Quam, Plover police won the challenge by raising $3,458.58.

The Stevens Point Fire Dept. came in second, bringing in $2,420.99, followed by the Plover Fire Dept., which raised $1,629.28.

Last year’s winner, the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, raised $1,489.25.

All together, he said, the agencies raised $10,618.41.

This year’s fundraising goal for the Salvation Army of Portage County is $175,000. The campaign will end on Dec. 23.