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American Legion Auxiliary visits Twp 3 Fire Dept
Sara Tongel (right), is one of the two female firefighters on the firehouse staff of 36, gives an equipment demonstration to the ladies of Shelby's American Legion Auxiliary Unit 82.

National Volunteer Week is celebrated this year April 23-29. In 1974, then President Richard Nixon signed Presidential Proclamation 4288 establishing this special week as National Volunteer Week in the United States. A new proclamation has been issued by the American President each year since the holiday's inception. The manner of celebration for national volunteer week varies, but many organizations host special events to help engage their local communities in volunteering and make them aware of opportunities that are available year round. Community Service has been a major outreach program of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1926.
On Monday evening, April 24, members of Shelby's American Legion Auxiliary Unit 82 participated in a special activity. All volunteers themselves, the ladies visited a local firehouse and honored another group of volunteers - the men and women of Volunteer Fire Department #3 (VFD 3) in Shelby.
The idea came about through Linda Quinlan's involvement as the American Legion Auxiliary's Community Service Program Chairman for the state. The North Carolina Auxiliary boasts over 160 units, and the organization's main focus is on service - to veterans, military, and their communities. As a whole, American Legion Auxiliary members nationwide annually contribute over three million volunteer hours to community service projects.
The local group wanted to do something special this week and members enthusiastically agreed to a visit at the firehouse. Linda stated ... "Firefighters risk their lives for citizens each time they respond to an emergency call. We just wanted to show our appreciation for what they do for us and our community."
The ladies arrived at the firehouse wearing their bright blue Auxiliary vests and carrying homemade treats, cases of bottled water, and a large framed Certificate of Appreciation. Unit 82 President Shirley Thompson presented VFD #3 Chief Greg Harris the certificate and praised him and his staff of volunteer firefighters for their dedication and tireless efforts on the community's behalf. VFD #3 members gather weekly for training and meetings. Auxiliary member Martha Bridges, and Junior Auxiliary member, Taylor Tongel, have a special connection to the department. Martha's daughter - and Taylor's mother - is Sara Tongel, who has been a dedicated volunteer firefighter for over four years. Sara is a busy Mom who works full time, yet finds time to attend weekly meetings and be on call 24/7 for the department.
Sara acted as our tour guide. She is one of the two female firefighters on the firehouse staff of 36. Sara said she has never run into issues at the firehouse because of her gender. She is expected to - and does - carry her share of responsibilities. She said "Firefighters are a family. We are like any family who sometimes have disagreements. But whenever we go on a call, we look out for each other, and our goal is to have everyone come back home safely."
All the firefighters at VFD #3 are volunteers, but unfortunately they are starting to see a decline in the number of volunteer firefighters. They have one major fundraiser each year -- a barbecue.
When asked why she became a firefighter, Sara said her grandfather was a charter member of the Cleveland Fire Department and she feels a very strong bond with him in her current volunteer role.
The Auxiliary ladies were given a tour of the office areas, training room, and the bay where the fire trucks and rescue vehicles are kept ready and waiting. The department's newest acquisition is a truck costing over $450,000 which they got last year. The ladies were shown various pieces of equipment such as fire hoses, masks and oxygen tanks, and the Jaws of Life. Several ladies attempted to hold the Jaws, but at close to 50 pounds it was quite a challenge!
Shelby's American Legion Auxiliary Unit 82 meets on the third Monday of each month. Membership is open to all women meeting the eligibility criteria - they must have a connection to a military veteran. Interested persons can visit www.ALAforveterans.org online, or call Linda Quinlan at 704-406-9760 for further information.
Submitted by Linda Quinlan


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