Ever wonder what it’s like in a real Fire Station? Is it just like it is on TV? Is there actually a pole you can slide down? Well, have no fear – Fire Service Day is nearly here!
Each year LAFD fire stations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area host open-house style gatherings, where you can take a tour and learn what they do on a daily basis. Fire Station 99, located on Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills, makes it a fun experience with rides on an old fashion fire truck, popcorn machine, candy, food and loads of help from the surrounding neighborhood.
The day is planned weeks in advance, is highly anticipated and worked out down to the last detail. Captain Cayce Culbertson says residents love to get involved and Fire Service Day is a great tradition. Even more amazing is that so many members of the community use the day as an opportunity to donate to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund, the official charity dedicated to helping the families of L.A. City firefighters in need.
The charity recently presented the crew at 99’s with a special plaque in appreciation of all the money and awareness they’ve helped raise through this outreach to the community.
This outpouring of support makes the day at 99’s special and the firefighters take great pride in welcoming everyone to the fire house. Sometimes, even celebrities stop by, with special acknowledgements for our men and women in uniform.
The firefighters also invite other organizations to participate, including some that teach guests about wildlife among other interesting topics. Cayce even recruits his own family to help out.
Firefighters hope residents throughout the Los Angeles area will head over to their nearby station for the next Fire Service Day, held each spring. 2016 is Cayce’s last one before retirement. He says part of being a firefighter is having the opportunity to give back and make a difference. For him, it’s incredibly rewarding.
By Brandy Hernandez