Friends star Matthew Perry
The Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department got a surprise $2,500 donation for a new
fire truck from a well known TV and movie personality.
Matthew Perry, star of the NBC series "Friends," decided to help the local
department after being contacted by friends of Grantsville residents Jim and Karen
Yoak who live in Los Angeles.
Perry has played Chandler Bing in the series since 1994, and started his movie
career in 1988 playing with the late River Phoenix in "A Night in the Life of Jimmy
Reardon." Since then Perry has appeared in a several films.
Judy Brannon and Ed Tingler, members of the local department, who have been
trying to raise funds for a new pumper, said they are very grateful to the actor,
sharing his success in the hills of West Virginia.
The department has raised about $16,000 (including Perry's donation) through hot
dog sales, raffles and breakfasts, and is still "a far cry from the money for a pumper,"
said Brannon.
The department's trucks are "on their last leg," 1970's vintage models.
Tingler said we have just about ask everyone, everywhere for help.
If you would like to add to the fire truck fund, you may send your donation to New
Truck, Grantsville VFD, P. O. Box 44, Grantsville WV 26147.
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