By Erica Thomas, managing editor
BIRMINGHAM — Patients at Children’s of Alabama got a special surprise from Center Point Fire District. The fire department brought six wagons, full of toys, to the children for Christmas.
The effort started seven years ago. According to Cpt. Chris Horn, it’s all in the name of a fallen comrade. Rickey L. Davis was killed in 2000 while battling a house fire. Horn said Davis always had a soft spot for kids.
“We’ve always done Children’s Hospital because it was one of Ricky’s passions, to help kids,” said Horn. “If he saw a kid in a store or something that needed a piece of bubble gum or a drink, he would buy it for them.”
The money to buy the wagons was raised during the annual Rickey L. Davis Memorial Golf Tournament. So far, the department has delivered 50 wagons to Children’s of Alabama.
Along with the fire department, Sparky the fire dog came to visit patients in the lobby of Children’s.
The wagons meet the specifications required for the hospital, but there is something special about them.
“We decorate our wagons to look just like our fire trucks,” said Horn. “They have the markings of our trucks so they stand out.”
Center Point Fire District also adds “Call 911 in case of a fire” on the wagons, so children are reminded of how to respond to a fire emergency.
Horn said parents should also remember to be vigilant in preventing fire disasters.
“Everyone needs to make sure they have a working smoke detector in December,” he said. “Check your batteries because we need to make sure the little ones stay safe.”