Two firefighters dropped floured shells into grease, retrieving them with a U–shaped utensil to form a shell. The tortillas were bubbled with air - as intended.

"The (tacos) are the best," said Esther Cross of rural Wever. Both she and her husband, Vic, have come to the taco fundraiser for years - mostly because they know "quite a few on the fire department."

For example, the 26 firefighters know it takes two weeks to prepare for the event, and once the event gets going, they have a great time, Henshaw said.

Before it gets started, the department gets 140 pounds of hamburger, three cases of taco shells and lots of tomatoes, onions, cheese and condiments - and each year they are required to buy more.

This year the department added baked goods to their dinner hours, which ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. - unless the tacos ran out before that time (they have in the past).

The meal didn't cost though the department hoped the people would donate to their cause. In the past, the donations have helped the department fund fire station additions, new medical equipment and other supplies.

The department still is trying to remodel the original portion of the station. It already has lowered the ceiling and added Sheetrock to walls, but more work remains.

"We just bought a new Jaws of Life motor and hoses," Henshaw added, and part of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward paying the balance.

The rest will go for a "new" fire truck that will serve as a medical and rescue truck. The department's newest truck is a 1996 model purchased just last year.

Henshaw said Lee County has 11 fire departments, nine of which are volunteer departments. And each volunteer department has something akin to the taco fundraiser to augment tax money.

"The tacos are quite good," said Paul Henson, Jackson Township Fire Department Chief, who came out to support Wever volunteer department. "The (crew) does a good job here."

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