Firefighters appreciation breakfast - time joyfully shared

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Phoenix Enterprise Fire Company No. 1 firefighters and their family members enjoyed a bountiful breakfast, “served up with love”, at the First United Methodist Church Saturday, April 21. The event was held to honor and express appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the volunteer firefighters in the Phoenix community. 

The church youth performed a skit of the Bible story, the “Good Samaritan”.  This story’s lesson of “loving your neighbor”  was reflected upon by Judy Craigmile and Gail Draper during the breakfast as “an analogy to the self-sacrificing service and extraordinary care our Phoenix firefighters provide to us, their neighbors, when they respond to our call for help,” Craigmile said.  Draper also shared how fire departments mentor youth, who become the firefighters of tomorrow. 

A brief presentation of appreciation gifts followed.  The gifts included a firefighter-themed wall clock, popular DVD family-themed movies, and a framed picture of the ‘Firefighter’s Prayer’ surrounded by thank-you notes from individuals within the congregation. Red plastic fire chief helmets were given to the firefighter’s children, and there was lots of playtime in the children’s playroom at the event, along with coloring time of firefighter-themed pictures.

Organizers at the First United Methodist Church are proud of both firefighters and supportive efforts to express the community’s heartfelt appreciation. “Thank-you to everyone who volunteered their time, talents, prayers and funds to help us serve and recognize with joy and thanksgiving our local volunteer firefighters and their families,” Craigmile said.