7 fire departments bringing birthday joy to kids stuck at home

With birthday parties canceled due to COVID-19, firefighters across the country have stepped up to help families celebrate


By Laura French

With schools closed, gatherings banned and millions of Americans ordered to stay at home, many children are spending their birthdays in isolation as families do their part to help flatten the curve.

But thanks to fire departments across the country, kids don't have to miss out on celebrating their special day in a big way. Here are seven examples of fire departments bringing birthday joy to their communities during the pandemic. 

1. Phoenix (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Department

The Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department in Hollidaysburg, Pa. is making up for canceled birthday parties by lighting up the street with sirens. On Friday, the department surprised 7-year-old Presley with a parade of apparatus and a "Happy Birthday" banner.  

 

Just one of many we will be doing over the next couple of weeks. Glad we can brighten everyone's day during these trying times.

Posted by Phoenix Volunteer Fire Dept. Station 10 on Friday, April 3, 2020

 

2. Coyne Center (Ill.) Fire Protection and EMS District

The Coyne Center Fire Protection and EMS District in Milan, Ill. brought both their ambulances and fire trucks to help Harper celebrate her 4th birthday. The district says personnel will be singing "Happy Birthday" and letting kids take pictures with their apparatus "to brighten their day a little in this time of isolation."

 
Birthday Happiness

Birthday drive by for Harper with all of the trucks and ambulance today. Thanks for sharing Sara Kershaw.

Posted by Coyne Center Fire Protection and EMS District on Sunday, March 29, 2020

 

3. LeClaire (Iowa) Fire Department 

The LeClaire Fire Department in Iowa has thrown several birthday parties over the last week, with some help from Sparky the Fire Dog. After Iowa's governor extended the state's social distancing order to April 30, the department has promised to keep the celebrations going for as long as it is safe to do so. 

 

Social Distancing Birthday Visit Update! Thanks to everyone that's invited us to be a part of their child's birthday...

Posted by LeClaire Fire Department on Thursday, April 2, 2020
 

4. Chelsea Area (Mich.) Fire Authority 

The Chelsea Area Fire Authority had a three-in-one celebration with triplets Nic, Felipe and Mateus, who turned 9. The boys received fire helmets and stuffed bears as a birthday gift from the firefighters. 

 

Happy 9th to the trips Nic, Felipe and Mateus!

Posted by Chelsea Fire Fighters on Saturday, March 28, 2020

 

5. North Las Vegas (Nev.) Fire Department

The City of North Las Vegas Fire Department in Nevada and other first responder agencies threw a drive-by birthday party for 6-year-old Aprilyon, who is a cancer survivor. About 15 to 20 emergency vehicles participated, including a vintage fire truck, according to KSNV.

 

First responder Birthday drive by for a young cancer survivor!!

Posted by City of North Las Vegas Fire Department on Sunday, April 5, 2020

6. Cranford (N.J.) Fire Department

The Cranford Fire Department and Cranford Police Department teamed up to cheer up 5-year-old Finnegan after his birthday party was canceled. Finnegan's mother said he loves police officers and that his brother, J.P., loves firefighters, according to TapIntoCranford. Both boys were dressed up like their respective heroes as they watched the parade of emergency vehicles drive by. 

 

We learned that a Cranford boy was turning 5 today and was sad because his parties with friends & family were cancelled so we and the CFD came by to try to give him a special day. We loved his uniform too. Happy Birthday, Finnegan!!!!! Feel free to leave him a message below.... News 12 New Jersey ABC7NY CBS New York NBC4 (New York) FOX 5 / Fox5NY.com Fox & Friends can we get Finnegan a Happy Birthday!

Posted by Cranford Police Department on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

 

7. Clinton (Ark.) Fire Department

The Clinton Fire Department in Arkansas made 20-year-old Christian's day by driving by his home in a fire truck to wish him a happy birthday. Christian, who has autism, loves fire trucks and was overjoyed by the surprise visit, according to THV11.

 

‪MUST WATCH: Lacey Monroe tells me her son Christian is autistic...he turned 20 today & the Clinton Fire Department surprised him. Look at the joy & excitement in this video she shared with me 😍❤️ Share this!

Posted by Hilary Hunt on Monday, April 6, 2020


Bonus: Falfurrias Fire Department (Texas)

The Falfurrias Fire Department in Texas had a drive-by birthday celebration for retired Firefighter Noe "Chito" Rodriguez, who turned 90 last week.

"Unfortunately, due to the circumstances we weren't able to get close to him, but we still found a way to make the best of his special day!" the department posted on Facebook. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR! God bless!"

 

Today we received the honor to wish retired Firefighter Noe “Chito” Rodriguez a happy 90th birthday! Unfortunately, due to the circumstances we weren’t able to get close to him, but we still found a way to make the best of his special day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR! God bless!

Posted by Falfurrias Fire Department on Saturday, April 4, 2020

 

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