Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. You may not think of him as such, though his rig is red and he travels just about everywhere. His suit is more apt to be tan or brown with hot green luminous stripes. He is your local fireman, who volunteers his time, risks his life, leaves whatever he is doing, including being sound asleep in the middle of the night, to answer a fire or other disaster call.
He maybe your neighbor, your husband, dad, friend or someone you don't even know, though you should because of all the things he does for you and what he stands for.
Many firemen carry on the tradition of fire fighting from their fathers, and fathers before them. Or they are firemen because they respect and appreciate what a fireman does. Also remember that many of our local firemen also have a regular career, which allows them to make a living to support their families.
How many services do we ever get for free that would even come close in comparison to what our local firemen do? No, I guess I should amend that because sometimes our local firemen need assistance, mechanical or extra man power and may ask for and receive "mutual aid" help from others.
The fireman’s gift to you is peace of mind 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and isn't available at your favorite department store. Your local firemen will advise you to purchase smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and other things that may help keep you safe. Firemen remind us that we should all have smoke alarms in our homes and businesses, testing them every month and install fresh batteries when needed. They might advise us to unplug our electrical gadgets when we aren't home and take care to use them safely when we are home. Electricity is to be respected.
Our friendly firemen also remind us that we should have two ways of escape from every room in our homes. Families need to practice fire drills, which will teach children not to panic or hide if a fire were to occur. It is also very important for families to establish an outside meeting place so they will know that everyone got out of their home safe and sound if a fire should occur.
Smoking indoors isn't just a cancer concern. Careless use is often the cause of fires. We all need to keep matches in airtight containers and cigarette lighters and "strikers" out of the reach of children.
With the present cost of fuel in regards to heating our homes, the use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces can be money saved, but caution should be taken to go by the established codes when they are installed, and people must remember to use every precaution when using them.
If you choose to burn candles in your home, make sure that you do it safely.
Firemen are heroes! They are called upon to do a number of very important jobs. They are intelligent, trained people skilled to help in most any emergency. Many firemen also receive special training and are able to offer first responder medical assistance and help with life-saving procedures. Firemen are also teachers as they give safety rules to our young people in our schools.
Be a Santa’s or firemen’s helper. They always need new equipment and training. That takes money. When firemen have charity events, it is not only a good time, it is a great time to help others. Respect the things they do and think about them with thanks.
Maybe we need to remember our firemen on our Christmas lists.
So, yes, a fireman is a Santa Claus of sorts. He gives gifts that can never be compared. Not only that, but he gives gifts all year long, not just Christmas time. When you see a firemen, and he may be hard to spot because he looks just like someone you know, say thank you, support his cause. Someday his gift could save your life.
God bless them - every one!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about the local happenings and family events such as family and school reunions, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and birth and wedding announcements.
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Also, if our NRHEG Star Eagle readers would like to share birthdays and anniversaries of your family and friends, or you know of some that should be deleted, or names have changed, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
• Thursday, December 15th: Jolene Sorenson, Brenda Burshem, Dustin Quimby, Maureen Riley, Richard Peterson, Nancy Kelly, Travis Reichl.
• Friday, December 16th: Dorothy Christensen Lund, Allen Larson, Abraham Groth, Angie Deml, Karen Zicafoose, Laura Rayman, David Brandt, Bev Phillips, Vicky Dobberstein, M. Carol Nelson, Peggy Radjenovich, Paul & Mary Groth.
• Saturday, December 17th: Zachary Tracy, Becky Edwards, Gretta Lageson, Tanya Blouin, Cheryl Cooper, Jack DeRaad, Joel Davis, Alex Edward LaFave, Keith & Leigh Ann Wayne, Lyle & Helen Swearingen, Bruce & Faye Thompson.
• Sunday, December 18th: Mary Togerson, Catherine Suzanne Olson, Scott Lang, Chris O'Byrne, Margaret (Mugsy) Swearingen, Gavyn Tlamka, Jay & Sheri Crabtree.
• Monday, December 19th: La June Hagen, Kathy Peterson, Jerry Thompson, Sheryl Tracy, Loren Haroldson, Cheryl Utpadel, James & Barb Bremmer, Chris & Jennier Paulson, Jerry & Bev White.
• Tuesday, December 20th: Corlyn Paulsen, Kyle Johnson, Laurie Swift, Debbie Whelan, Odean & Andrea Johnson.
• Wednesday, December 21st: Audriene Nelson, Nancy Rich, Liz Wangness, Darin Rhodes, Brandon Hagen, Dave & Tammy Peterson, Duane & Cheryl Lembke.
Wishing you all that is dearest, all that is brightest, all that is best on your special day!s
