Bill Huntley has taken on a monstrous task: find sustainable funding for the Lewes Fire Department.

The department is trying to close a $2 million-a-year deficit. 

"It's a big number; $500,000 in operating costs and another million-and-a-half in contribution to capital reserves," Huntley said.

Huntley is chair of the Lewes Fire Department Foundation, which was formed in conjunction with the Greater Lewes Foundation.

The foundations have just kicked off a new, three-pronged approach aimed at increasing community involvement:

• EMS & fire appeals - Working directly with the fire department to enhance cornerstone funding sources that sustain daily operations

• Business Bucket Brigade - A targeted outreach to the Lewes business community to invest in fire and EMS. Fliers have been mailed to 1,000 Lewes businesses

• 1796 Shield Society - A giving society for residents and businesses who want to support Lewes fire services at a higher level, honoring a proud volunteer tradition dating to 1796.

Bryan Pepper, treasurer for the department and the foundation, and Bernie Edmondson, market director for the department and the foundation, also have roles in making the initiative work.

They said Lewes and all other volunteer departments need more support from Sussex County in order to meet demand.

"They keep approving the development," Edmondson said. "Sooner or later, you're going to out-tax the resources. We're darn near there now." 

Pepper said the department has an engine/rescue truck and an ambulance on order, totaling about $3 million. 

They just took delivery of a $1.2 million ladder truck, which will be in service by the end of the month.

"That's the biggest problem we face," Pepper said. "We have to continuously pre-plan for down the road, because it takes two to three years to get equipment."

Edmondson said turnout gear costs $7,000 for each firefighter. He said it used to be good for 10 years, but now it's only good for five years.

Besides the money, the initiative also hopes to raise awareness that Lewes, and all Sussex County fire departments, are volunteers.

"A lot of people say, 'What do you mean you volunteer?' They have a hard time grasping that we run into a burning building and all we get is a T-shirt. They like the low taxes, but don't grasp they need to contribute to the fire departments," Edmondson said.

Huntley said the fire and EMS appeal is already paying off.

"We're equal to last year's EMS, and they're going out for a second round. We're hopeful, if it brings anything close to what the fire does, on the second round, we'll knock the cover off the ball," Huntley said.

For more information and to donate, go to lewesfire.com or greaterlewesfoundation.org.