Retiring captain honored at fundraiser
The Madera Ranchos community turned out in force to support volunteer Fire Station 19 and honor retiring Fire Capt. Chuck Hoover on Saturday night at the station’s annual barbecue fundraiser.
More than 650 people attended the event held riverside under the towering oak trees at the Borbas’ scenic Vista del Rio ranch near Avenue 7 and State Route 99.
Hoover is retiring after 35 years of service to the volunteer station, and is largely credited with being the main motivating force behind the fire station in recent years.
The station is the best equipped and staffed in the county with more than 25 active volunteers, and assists other county stations with equipment and personnel on calls, according to CalFire authorities...