MONTE VISTA — The Monte Vista Fire Department held its annual Chili Supper fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 13.

There was in-person seating, and all firefighters were wearing masks and gloves, but masks were optional for the people who attended the event at the fire station from 4 to 7 p.m.

Red and green chile chili was served at the event, along with a whole or half-baked potato. Dinner also included cornbread or tortilla, along with toppings, including broccoli and cheese, regular hot cheese sauce and butter and sour cream.

The fire station had many different cakes for dessert, including Carrot, German Chocolate, and Red Velvet.

Resident Vanessa Sanchez was excited about the event and supported the firefighters.

“Our family tries to always come out and support the firefighters, as we had a few members of our family, pass away in a fire years ago in Denver, Colo.,” she said. “We believe in supporting these great firefighters. This is a really worthy cause; we need to help our firefighters because they help us.”

Sanchez was also glad to see it return to its original format. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic firefighters did a drive-thru dinner.

“I remember feeling sad about the way that we were picking up the food,” Sanchez said. “I know it was a good thing because of the COVID and pandemic and we had to be careful, but these are the little things that people take for granted, too, being able to share a meal in their community. My family feels relieved this year that we can come into the fire station and eat together.”

The Monte Vista Fire Department provides emergency response and fire protection services to the community. The department covers a total of 202 miles in Rio Grande County, including the areas of Chapman, Homelake, and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Fulcher Gulch, and Rimrock Ranch.

The Monte Vista Fire Department provides a multitude of services to the community, including hazardous material inspections, replacement of smoke alarms, and home fire plan training. The fire department also responds to calls for help, including medical emergencies, rescues, motor vehicle accidents, and carbon monoxide gas detector calls.

Fire department officials said they were pleased with the turnout.

“The dinner is really going well this year, we have been really busy, have had a lot of people come in tonight,” officials said. “We sure appreciate it. This has helped us a lot to get extra tools. We got a gator with it a couple of years ago and stuff like that, it has been great. The community has done awesome for us.”

For more information on the Monte Vista Fire Department, visit its Facebook page.