Firefighters spread Christmas cheer
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Red and white lights reflected off snowy pines in the dark of the night as a convoy of Ronan Fire Department vehicles made their way down Eagle Pass Trail to hand deliver presents to 5-year-old Sean Burrafato. Each year, firefighters from Ronan chip in $10 or $20 apiece to buy Christmas presents for a list of special children in the Ronan Fire District, which includes the Pablo area.
At each stop, children crowded the doorway as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Smokey the Bear and firemen delivered the gifts. Children and parents’ faces lit up with holiday joy as firefighters spent a minute to pose for photos before moving on to the next location.
“The reason we do this is for the children,” Mrs. Claus impersonator Janet Munn said. “Over the years you see the kids grow up, and they remember you. It’s just cool.”
Janet has been dressing up as the holiday figure with her husband Don Munn for the past seven years, and the couple have donated their time free of charge to the fire department’s holiday giveaway for the past three years.
“What the firemen are doing here is a really great thing for the community,” Janet added.
With the contributions from approximately 35 firemen, the department is able to afford gifts for 15 to 20 different families, depending on the year and list of children. Fire Chief Mark Clary says they’ve been giving away presents during the holiday season for more than seven years, adding it’s a good way to help those in need during tough times.
“It’s a way for the fire guys to give to the community and help those less fortunate,” Clary said. “The guys kinda plan for it year ‘round. Everyone’s happy when they give back; it puts them in the Christmas spirit.”
The final stop on the cold, snowy night was at the Randles’ home, where the gifts and visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and Smokey were welcomed with open arms.
“It’s been a hard year,” father Frank Randles said.
