Episode 13 - Phil & Maura Boggs

The McDonald Volunteer Fire Department does far more than answer emergency calls—they build community year-round. In this episode of WashCo Insider, Chase McClain sits down with Fire Chief Phil Boggs and EMT/Finance Chair Maura Boggs to discuss the realities of volunteer firefighting, the rising costs of protecting a community, and why fundraising has never been more important. They also give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at McSummerFest, Washington County's beloved week-long celebration featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, great food, and family fun—all made possible by volunteers.

McSummerFest: How One Washington County Festival Helps Keep a Volunteer Fire Department Running

Every summer, thousands of visitors make their way to Heritage Park in McDonald for one of Washington County's favorite traditions—McSummerFest.

They come for the carnival rides. They come for the fresh-cut fries, funnel cakes, live music, games, and family fun.

But behind every ride, every food stand, and every concert is something much bigger.

They're helping keep a volunteer fire department alive.

That is exactly what listeners discover in Episode 13 of WashCo Insider, where host Chase McClain sits down with Phil and Maura Boggs of the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department to talk about the incredible amount of work that goes into both protecting their community and organizing McSummerFest each summer.

Volunteer Firefighters Do Much More Than Fight Fires

Most people picture firefighters responding to house fires, but today's volunteer firefighters wear many hats.

Chief Phil Boggs explains that their department responds to:

• Vehicle accidents
• Medical emergencies
• Rope rescues
• Brush fires
• Structure fires
• Search operations
• Drone-assisted searches for missing persons
• Support for local police agencies

Today's volunteers also complete well over 150 hours of initial training before they can serve, followed by continuous education throughout their careers.

The Cost of Keeping Communities Safe

One of the episode's biggest eye-openers is just how expensive modern firefighting has become.

Phil shares that:

• A new ladder truck now costs nearly $2 million.
• Basic turnout gear costs approximately $4,500 per firefighter.
• Air packs and breathing equipment can exceed $10,000 each.

Those costs continue to rise every year, making community fundraisers more important than ever.

McSummerFest Makes It Possible

Now entering its 34th year, McSummerFest has become much more than a carnival.

For the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department, it's their largest annual fundraiser and one of the biggest reasons they're able to continue serving the community.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Free admission
• Free parking
• Carnival rides
• Fresh-cut fries and classic festival food
• Live music every evening
• Family entertainment
• Local food vendors
• Carnival games
• Community organizations
• Evening bingo hosted by Meals on Wheels

The event takes place July 25 through August 1 at Heritage Park in McDonald.

Live Entertainment Every Night

McSummerFest also features a full lineup of regional bands performing throughout the week.

Guests can enjoy everything from country and classic rock to local favorites, including Arena Days, Rust Valley Revival, Jacked, Eldorado, Casual Players, The Delaneys, and the Timothy Earl Band.

With free entertainment included in admission, every night offers something new for families and music lovers alike.

It Truly Takes a Community

Perhaps the most inspiring part of the conversation is hearing how many people donate their time.

Department members recruit family, friends, neighbors, students completing volunteer hours, and even volunteers from neighboring fire departments. Community members return year after year simply because they want to help.

That spirit of service extends well beyond McSummerFest and reminds us that volunteer fire departments depend on far more than emergency responders—they depend on entire communities.

Listen to Episode 13

Whether you're planning a visit to McSummerFest or simply want to learn more about the men and women who protect our communities, this episode offers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at volunteer service in Washington County.

From emergency response to community festivals, Phil and Maura Boggs remind us that every funnel cake, concert, and carnival ride helps support those who are always ready when the pager sounds.