The Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) is releasing public information regarding fundraising activities currently being conducted under the name “Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Inc.” (Auxiliary) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization.

Since April 2025, the Auxiliary’s leadership has not communicated with the VVFD. Additionally, the Auxiliary continues to hold approximately $78,000 in funds that were raised by the public with the understanding the money would directly support the VVFD. Despite repeated attempts to contact the Auxiliary by certified mail, emails, text messages, and phone calls, the Auxiliary leadership has provided no response, no transparency and no financial support for essential department needs such as personal protective equipment.

VVFD recently learned that the Auxiliary has purchased Christmas trees and will be selling them in Laramie under the name of “Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary”. Because of the former association between VVFD and the Auxiliary, the public may believe these sales benefit the fire department.

VVFD wants the public to know that, based on these facts, the department has no reason to believe it will receive any funding from the Auxiliary’s 2025 Christmas tree sales. Public purchases of these Christmas trees are therefore unlikely to provide support for VVFD equipment, training, operations, or firefighter safety.

Since April, the VVFD has undergone a successful rebuilding effort and is now fully operational, staffed, and responding to all calls within the service area and throughout Albany County. The department has strengthened training, readiness and volunteer numbers.

The VVFD remains committed to earning and maintaining the trust of the community it serves. Therefore, the department seeks transparency regarding the withheld Auxiliary funds and wishes to inform the public that tree sale proceeds are not benefiting the VVFD.

If you have any questions concerning this release or desire additional information, please contact VVFD Chief Matt Isborn directly at (503) 504-7977 or vvfd_chief@albanycountyfd1.com