As a firefighter, we get to help our community in many different ways. Most of those times they are in emergency situations when we see them. On occasions we can give back to the future of our community, our young people.  Today, we loaded up boxes of colorful, new, american made coats to hand out to the 1st grade classes at Morgan Elementry.  As the boxes were organized, the excitement started to grow, in the firefighters, not the kids. We couldn't wait to she the smile on their faces when they recieved a brand new coat of their own. As the kids started to come, the smiles started to grow.  The feel in the room was close to the same feeling as Christmas morning. There were lots of smiles and laughter, but a few tears were shed by some of us. Some of these 5-7 year old's story tugged on some of these strong, show no weakness, firefighters heart strings. Some of the kids had never had a coat of their own, muchless a brand new one. I think most of became a firefighter for one main reason, to help other people. I think we did today.  

There is still plenty of time to help out Operation Warm. Just click to help donate a brand new, american made coat to Americas youth.

President B. Carter organizing the troops.

The kids starting to arrive.

The first kid picking out his new coat. 

Pvt M Meizer helping a child try on his coat for that perfect fit.

Group photo with the kids and their coats.

Always time for some goofing off!

(more photos in the Photo Gallery)