Fish Daddies raises money for firefighter with cancer

Good food, good friends and a good cause

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

A fish fry held in West Memphis on Saturday at the Eugene Woods Civi Center was a huge success, raising funds for a West Memphis firefighter battling cancer. The event, organized by the food truck “Fish Daddies,” saw a large turnout of community members showing their support.

Fish Daddies, run by firefighter Chief Joshua Stokes and his brother Justin, a former police officer, has only been open since November of last year. However, the duo comes from a long line of fish and barbecue cooks and has perfected their delicious recipes over generations.

“It all started with my dad and my grandfather.”

See FUNDRAISER, page A3

The guys all came together for a good cause.

Photo by Don Wilburn FUNDRAISER

From page A1

says Chief Stokes, “Every holiday, every family event they would barbecue and fry fish. That’s where our love of cooking comes from.”

Many people showed up for the event, with several firefighters chipping in to help with cooking duties to serve the large crowd. Stokes expressed his gratitude for the community’s support, stating that giving back is one of their main goals as a business. Within their first month of opening, they went to Memphis to feed the homeless, something they are passionate about.

Chief Joshua Stokes shared that several people even donated to the cause without attending the event. “My tax lady, Miss Shirley Moore of Moore’s Tax Service, even gave me a large check when I called her and asked how to organize the charity and she found out what I was doing.” says the Chief.

While they served a limited menu for the fish fry, they have many other options available and can usually be found in in their big blue food truck in Barton’s parking lot on Broadway. For those who were unable to attend the fish fry but still wish to donate, they can contact Debbie Holmes of the WMFD at 870-7327570.

Customers, crew and firefighters stop for a quick photo between bites.

Photo by Don Wilburn