On Sunday, the Ceredo Volunteer Fire Department gathered for its 26th annual “Sunday Dinner with Rocco,” a beloved community fundraiser that supports the men and women who protect families in Ceredo, Kenova and the Spring Valley area.

Largest fundraiser of the year

Fire Chief Robbie Robson said the dinner is the department’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will go toward a side‑by‑side project that will provide much‑needed upgrades to fire trucks, protective gear and communications equipment. Those upgrades enable firefighters to respond more quickly and safely to the nearly 2,000 calls the department handles each year, ranging from structure fires to vehicle crashes and emergency medical incidents.

Community support fuels the effort

“We see people on their worst day,” Chief Robson said. “People are coming out today to support us, so we’re able to still attend to those people and be there when those people call for help.” The dinner, held at the local Rocco’s venue, draws families, church groups and local businesses who share a common desire to protect their neighborhoods.

Growth since the first dinner

Former Fire Chief Dave Caudill recalled the humble beginnings of the event. “The first dinner we had we had about 200 people and just tickled to death and over the years it’s grown and grown and grown,” he said. The steady increase reflects both the department’s dedication and the community’s commitment to family safety.

Technology upgrades improve response

Chief Caudill highlighted how advances in technology have transformed firefighting. “The more technology that’s come out, the better you’re going to be able to do the job, and the technology has changed quite a bit,” he explained. The fundraiser’s funds will help purchase modern thermal imaging cameras, upgraded dispatch software and newer fire apparatus, all of which enhance the department’s ability to protect homes and lives.

A tradition the town looks forward to

Chief Robson noted that the dinner has become a cherished tradition. “Twenty‑six years, that’s a pretty good test for you, I think, to keep this thing going like it is,” he said, adding that the event reinforces the bond between first responders and the families they serve.

Supporting families and faith

Many attendees cited the importance of supporting those who safeguard their families and neighborhoods. Local churches and family groups contributed food, volunteers and donations, underscoring the shared values of service, stewardship and community responsibility that define Ceredo’s spirit.

The Sunday Dinner with Rocco continues to demonstrate how a small town can rally around its first responders, ensuring that the men and women who answer the call have the tools they need to keep families safe for years to come.

Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.