Orange County Fire Rescue Kicks Off Adopt a Fire Station Holiday Initiative
For the fifth year, Orange County Fire Rescue and Neighborhood Preservation & Revitalization have teamed up for Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ Adopt a Fire Station holiday initiative.
While some firefighters celebrate the holidays with their families and loved ones, many spend the holiday season on call at the fire station. In an effort to make the holidays special for them, Mayor Teresa Jacobs started the Adopt a Fire Station program so that neighborhood groups, businesses, and nonprofits could recognize and give back to their local Fire Stations during the holidays. Adopt a Fire Station begins Nov. 1, 2016, and concludes on Jan. 1, 2017.
Through the Adopt a Fire Station initiative, groups can show their appreciation by helping provide holiday meals and volunteering their time at their local Fire Station. Participants are encouraged to tour their adopted fire station, take photos and get to know the firefighters who serve their community. Holiday meals, treats, crafts and decorations are graciously welcomed during station visits.
Mayor Jacobs began the initiative in 2012. Since then, interest and in participation has grown tremendously.
“Last year, we were thrilled that every one of our 41 fire stations was adopted for the first time since this campaign’s inception,” said Fire Chief Otto Drozd III. “It means the world to our crews when our community members take the time to visit with them, host a meal and learn more about the many ways our firefighters serve our citizens and visitors.”
Designated time slots when groups may visit the fire stations are listed below:
- 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Citizens are encouraged to adopt their fire station soon as slots fill up quickly. To sign-up, contact Tiana Davis with Neighborhood Preservation & Revitalization at 407-836-5531 or email Tiana.Davis@ocfl.net. For more information, visit www.ocfl.net/adoptafirestation.