CRESCENT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) — Lenten fish fries are a huge tradition in Western Pennsylvania.
Some fire departments in the Pittsburgh area use it to raise money to protect the community, but this year many are skipping the fish fries.
When it comes to the fish fry, the Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department can move some cod.
“We’re close to 400 pounds a night and that’s a lot of loaves and a lot of fish,” said John Kriger, department president.
But this coming Lent, the kitchen of the department’s social hall will be quiet and the chairs and tables empty. Crescent Township’s fish fry isn’t happening in 2024. The reasons are very simple.
“Lack of manpower and reigning fire training hours, it’s hard to get help,” Kriger said.
Crescent Township is not alone. The Claridge Volunteer Fire Company in Westmoreland County and the Daugherty Township Volunteer Fire Company in Beaver County do the same thing for the same reason.
Word of the canceled fish fries spread quickly, with many people willing to help. But Kriger said the department appreciates the offers, but it’s not that simple.
“The fish has to be prepared, that’s all from Monday to Friday, at least four hours with someone here,” Kriger said.
For now, Kriger said he encourages those who buy fish to check out and support other fire departments’ fish fries.
“I’m deeply sorry that we’re not having a fish fry,” he said.
