Firefighters cooking up a storm for charity event

  • Published
  • By Lee Ross
  • Nucleus editor
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Firefighters just enjoy helping out.

That was the explanation given by several firemen at Station 2 -- which had taken on the distinct smell of roasted turkeys -- on Friday when asked about the time they put in for Operation Holiday Cheer, which happened Wednesday.

People from Albuquerque are fed turkeys, posole, enchiladas, mashed potatoes and the department hands out toys to children. They've done it every year for the past 36 years.

Fire Chief Lee Shaffer said he was up at 4 a.m. to put turkeys in the oven that day. In the days before the event, almost all available ovens on base are fired up and cooking turkeys for the big event. It also gets a bit crazy around the fire station as dozens of pies are being made.

This year, like most years, firefighters will to feed about 2,000 people.

Driver/operator Roc Sweeney also put in a long day cooking, but he has experience as he cooks for his wife all the time. He's been a firefighter for seven years, and this is the second year he has participated in Operation Holiday Cheer.

"I like making delicious food," he said. "And most of us are in the fire department because we want to help people. This is a way to do that."

Ronnie Dexter, assistant chief of operations for the department and event director, said he is heartened by the charity he sees coming from firefighters and the local community. It speaks to one of his core beliefs, he said.

"We're all on this planet to help each other," Dexter said.

Due to cutbacks to community center funding, he said the fire department had to scramble to get money for the turkeys. He got the word out and about $1,000 in donations, either cash or donated birds, poured in.

"If there's a good cause, you ask and people will give," he said.

Dexter added that firefighters, like so many people who go out of their way to help, aren't looking for any kind of thanks.

"It's just what firefighters do," he said. "Firefighters are a quiet bunch in that they don't want recognition."

In addition to the firefighters, there are volunteers from the Air National Guard, security forces, civilians who just want to lend a hand and the firefighters' spouses.
Sweeney said firefighters often take a role in the background, cleaning up and the like, while volunteers are often given the fun jobs, like serving the meal.