June 16, 2008

Firefighters prepare meals

       On Sunday, firefighters went into areas throughout the Fire District that had suffered the most significant flooding and provided food for homeowners and many volunteers who were assisting in clean-up and demolition activities.  Firefighters canvassed the Bluff Acres Subdivision, the Friendly Village Mobile Home Park, the Glendale Mobile Home Park, the Old Smith Valley area, and homes on and along Stone Road.  The idea was born from a couple of firefighters who had asked the Fire Chief if they could take some of the unused food that was left over from the department’s annual Strawberry Festival and feed those who suffered great losses as a result of the Floods from June 7^th.   Many of these firefighters were also the ones who responded to rescues and evacuated people in the areas affected by the rising waters and saw first-hand the tragedy that homeowners were suffering.

         Sunday afternoon however, even after an exhausting weekend, eleven firefighters from Station 51 cooked and prepared over 200 hamburgers, two large trays of baked beans, and about 12 pounds of those “famous strawberries”.  Firefighters had just enough food to feed all those persons they came in contact with.  The firefighters were greatly welcomed with some people providing hugs, a few tearful eyes, and many nice thank-you's.  All were very gracious for the food and cold drinks.  The firefighters were glad to be able to give back to those who have given so much to help others and those who have lost so much.

         The fire department would like to say “Thanks” to all those volunteers who are helping our community survive through this local disaster.
 
    

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