The oak leaves were falling in a steady northeast breeze, and a fall blue sky greeted those showing up to Martino’s for the annual Pizza and Prevention event, held for at least a decade and still going strong.

Whereas a decade back in 2011 the business raised $6,200, this year was up in the air, as the weather offered a last chance to enjoy fall before the snow came.

One needn’t have worried, as in the end, the Martino’s Pizza and Prevention Event for 2021 did better than back in 2011, with $8,500 being raised for local fire reponse this year.

The amount will be split between the Stanley and Boyd-Edson-Delmar Fire Departments.

Fire Chief Korey Hagenson of Stanley said that his department would use its share of the money towards a much needed brush truck, while Boyd-Edson-Delmar Fire Chief Ron Patten said his department would likely use their share toward purchasing a K12 saw, important because it’s able to cut through metal and ventilate as metal roofs become more common with homes these days. Inside the restaurant, meanwhile, firefighter Jacob Carroll was answering the phone as orders came in.

“There will be about a 45-minute wait,” he told one caller as the fire crews worked in back on one-topping pizzas made so to help facilitate ease of preparation, with a steady drive-thru traffic and dine-in presence as well. Outside, meanwhile, the fire truck and ambulance display saw a brief leave of absence, as Boyd was called out on a service call before returning later, leaving the Stanley fire truck to give tours at the restaurant. Fire Engine 51 also flew an American flag, setting a nice contrast with the blue sky above in the steady fall breeze. Parents brought their children as in years past, and then there were the tools!

In brief and on display Saturday were hydrant wrenches, a windshield cutter, wall saw, combination tool, wall pick, pry bar, and stud ripper, among others. Space would not allow to fit them in this week. So what about that Oktoberfest pizza rumored to now be available?

We haven’t tried it, but if you like sauerkraut, it’s for you–so we’ve heard.

Lingering signs from a spring time grass fire earlier this year had all but disappeared, save for a slightly scarred electrical post (arrow) when the Stanley and Boyd Fire Departments came together October 9 along with Martino's staff to raise money for their local depart – ments. A full 100 percent of proceeds for the day will go to help fund fire prevention and response needs by the Stanley and Boyd fire departments. Photo b y Joseph Back.