Eustis Fire Department Celebrates Tri-City Fire Department Victory

Published on March 07, 2025

The Eustis Fire Department has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community service, securing its fifth consecutive victory in the annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge. This remarkable achievement underscores the department’s dedication to fighting food insecurity and supporting local families in need.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle, the event saw Eustis Fire Department emerge as the top contributor, collecting the highest volume of food donations and retaining the coveted traveling plaque for another year. The friendly competition also included outstanding participation from the Mount Dora Fire Department and the Tavares Fire Department, who contributed significantly to the record-breaking collection of over 30,000 pounds of food for the Lake Cares Food Pantry.

The celebration of this milestone took place at the prestigious Country Club of Mount Dora, where community leaders, firefighters, and key stakeholders gathered for a special awards luncheon. The event provided an opportunity to honor the dedication of all participating fire departments, recognize the spirit of collaboration, and engage in meaningful conversations about continued community support initiatives. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared commitment, as attendees reflected on the impact of their collective efforts.

“This win is a testament to the incredible generosity of our community and the dedication of our firefighters, volunteers, and local partners,” said Chief Swanson of the Eustis Fire Department. “We are honored to play a part in helping those in need, and we’re grateful for the support of everyone who contributed to this important cause.”

The success of this year’s food drive was made possible through collaborative efforts with Lake Technical College, Chick-fil-A Mt. Dora, Eustis Elks Lodge 1578, and Tri-County area schools. Their contributions and enthusiasm exemplify the power of teamwork and civic engagement in making a tangible difference.

Community members had the opportunity to donate food at various collection points, including Eustis Fire Station 22, leading up to the final day of the drive on January 25. Their overwhelming generosity helped set a new benchmark for this annual tradition.

As the Eustis Fire Department celebrates its continued success in the challenge, it remains committed to serving and supporting the community beyond emergency response. The department encourages residents to stay engaged in local charitable initiatives and continue working together to combat food insecurity year-round.

For more information about the Eustis Fire Department and future community initiatives, please visit Eustis Fire Department - Eustis FL