Dedicated Alle-Kiski Valley police supporter Kaley Bastine branched out to help those on the thin red line Saturday.
The 12-year-old behind “Kaley’s Kops & Heroes,” with the help of her family, hosted a fundraiser benefiting Tarentum’s Highland Hose volunteer fire company Saturday at the American Legion in Brackenridge. It was the first benefit she’s had for firefighters.
Her family’s ties to Highland Hose run deep.
Kaley’s grandfather, Robert Sims Sr., 94, has been a member of Highland Hose for 76 years, said Kaley’s mom, Jamie Bastine.
A cousin, Michael J. Sims Sr., 38, died in the line of duty in November 1999. He had fallen from a fire truck on the way to a fire in East Deer that turned out to be a false alarm.
They raised about $6,700. The department plans on putting the money toward equipment, Jamie Bastine said.
The event featured food, music, a silent auction, bake sale and a 50-50 raffle. Donations were also accepted.