Responding to seasonal calls

Firefighters devote their time and lives to make sure the community is safe from blazes throughout the year, but several fire departments on the West Plains gave back to families during the holidays.

In December, Spokane County Fire District 10 raised almost $1,000 in gifts for toddler Aidyn Parret and his family.

According to Fire District 10 chief Nick Scharff, the American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest recommended Parret's family to the department. Parret, of Post Falls, Idaho, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 20 months old.

Scharff said the department received a list of items the family wanted and bought everything on the list. The family also came to the station in Airway Heights where they received a tour and met the firefighters.

"We made a fun event out of it," Scharff said. "They were ecstatic. It made their Christmas."

Scharff said administrative director Peggy Callihan "spearheaded the program" while most of the volunteer firefighters raised money on their own.

"Normally we go out and put band aids on fires but this was different and this meant a lot," Scharff said. "We intend to continue to do this. It's a good program and we would like to help multiple families."

According to Division Chief Debby Dodson, Fire District 3 receives $1,000 from the Association of Washington Businesses. Firefighters from each station will select families and use the money to assist them in different ways, such as buying gifts or paying utility bills.

"We get suggestions from different stations and try to accommodate as many families as we can," Dodson said. "The families are appreciative. This is a holiday tradition and a great way to connect with the community."

City fire departments also gave back to their communities. According to Lt. Tim Steiner, the Cheney Fire Department collected 362 pounds of food and $45 for the Cheney Food Bank during their Dec. 18 Candy Cane Hay Ride around the city. The department also raised $2,317 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in November.

The Medical Lake Fire Department collected and passed out lots of toys, as well as donated food to the city's food bank. Fire Chief Jason Mayfield said the department's volunteers strive to help the community beyond "running EMS (emergency medical service) calls and fighting fires."

"Being able to be a collection and distribution point for the generosity of our citizens is an honor," Mayfield said.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].