August 24 – “The Community Fire House”

The community event hosted by the fire fighters at Station One (That’s the one downtown) was a huge success yesterday.  The guys collected school supplies through businesses in the area in preparation for the Back to School Bash.  Area groups from bars to churches pitched in to make sure the students from the area served by the Central Station go to school on Monday fully prepared. 

And school supplies weren’t the only reason to come to the station.  Chef Brad was hard at work cooking free hot dogs on the grill.  When he wasn’t terrorizing youngsters with Fire Engine Freddy, Mr. Tattoo himself, Fire Fighter Andy led T.A.T. Jonathan and T.A.T. Chris (Tattoo Artist Team) in offering kids their very own fire fighter symbol tattoos (temporary, of course).  Hose Honchos Joe and Collin were giving the kids an opportunity of a lifetime to man a real live fire hose.  Kids could take the lead to use the stream of water to knock a ball from the top of a cone.  And speaking of water, I saw more than a few water guns active (and maybe a water hose or two) under the watchful eye of Captain Mike.  Photographer Nathan was making his rounds with an iPad camera, recording the event for posterity (although I’m pretty sure I saw him coming out of the bouncy house at least once).  Even some of the off-duty guys were getting into the act.  I know Captain Danny was offering his grilling expertise and I saw President Jimmy demonstrating his own version of fire fighter’s carry technique with his son.  Chief Charlie was making his supervisory rounds.  And of course the indomitable Terrific Trish was bustling about, keeping the hot dog table stocked and the fire fighters in line.  I was really impressed with the new honorary volunteer fire department personnel – the ladies who pitched in to do the actual distributing of school supplies.  They wore their plastic fire hats with pride, as did most of the kids and more than a few adults.  Although a bit of instruction on which end was the front might have been helpful. 

Quite a few kiddos were supplied for school.  Kids and parents alike seemed to have a grand time.  Plans are to have more of these events to show the area that this truly is the Community Fire House.  Come by and see us some time. 

Psalms 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Father, protect these fine men of the fire house as they work every day to protect the community around them.  Amen.