Monroe firefighters roll up their sleeves to help others

Herald staff

MONROE — Firefighters raised almost $6,000 Saturday for the families of New York City firefighters by washing more than 400 cars. And they’ll be up to their elbows in suds again today.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the fire department will wash cars for donations. The money will be sent to New York to aid the families of firefighters who were killed or are missing in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, said Monroe firefighter Rod Hewitt.

"We were washing six cars at a time, with 10 in line waiting," he said. "It was pretty cool."

Assembled at the Fred Meyer store at 18805 U.S. 2, firefighters also sold baked goods and gave away red-white-and-blue antenna balls.

"One person donated $500," Hewitt said.

Firefighters are hoping to raise a substantial amount again today.