LIFESTYLE

American Legion Auxiliary visits fire department

Staff Writer
The Gaston Gazette
Auxiliary Unit 82 President Linda Quinlan presents Fire Chief Greg Harris with a certificate of appreciation. [SUBMITTED PHOTO]

The Shelby American Legion Auxiliary Unit 82 kicked off National Volunteer Week with a unique activity following the April 16 meeting. Eleven members visited the Township No. 3 Fire Department in Grover.

They brought along homemade treats for the firefighters and presented Chief Greg Harris with a certificate of appreciation and commemorative American Legion Auxiliary coin.

Unit 82 President Linda Quinlan thanked Harris and the entire crew of volunteer firefighters who give their time and efforts in serving the community. They have meetings and training on a weekly basis, selflessly devoting their time and energy to keep residents safe.

Harris thanked the auxiliary women for coming and said they'd like to give the group the opportunity to put out a fire. Perry Davis, the Cleveland County Fire Marshal and emergency management director, told them about types of fire extinguishers and kinds of fires they are used for. The group went outdoors where Davis demonstrated the proper use of extinguishers on a small controlled fire. Several women got to try putting out fires and learned from the experience.

National Volunteer Week was first established in the United States via presidential proclamation 4288 signed by Richard Nixon in 1974. It is celebrated during mid-April and communities around the nation take the opportunity to honor volunteers in their local area with special celebrations and events.

This is the second year the Shelby American Legion Auxiliary group has adopted and visited the Township No. 3 Fire Department crew. The groups thanked each other for the volunteer services they provide to keep the community safe. The auxiliary was thanked for the services they provide to veterans, military, and families.