Top 10 ways you can serve your local firefighters

By Kirsten Grubb Upland (Calif.) BIC

1. Clear brush, weeds, bushes, or snow away from fire hydrants on or near your property.
2. Keep weeds, shrubs, trees, and brush away from your house.
3. Pull over when you hear them coming!
4. Wave to them as they drive by.
5. Bring them a meal—they’d love a break from cooking!
6. Invite them to be a part of a local parade.
7. Bring a group of kids by the station for a tour.
8. Volunteer to help with their fundraisers or toy-drives.
9. Stop by their annual open house to thank them for serving your community.
10. Firefighters LOVE treats! Bake them something today!

Adam, my six-year-old son, invited our local firefighters to his birthday party. I thought they’d think we were nuts, but the whole post came to our house, brought goody bags for all of the kids, visited with the other guests, and let the kids climb all over their truck and try on their helmets. I think the firefighters were really glad for a break from their usual routine, and it was fun for us to have them!