Eleven year old Ashlyn Thomas has a heart of gold. On the 6th of December as firefighters met at Station 3 for our business meeting, Ashlyn had a presentation for the fire department. She presented the fire department over 100 gifts for Operation Santa Claus, but what really touched me and my fellow firefighters was the fact that these were given to her on her birthday.  All gifts she received for her 11th birthday were to be given away so that other children from Burkburnett might have a Merry Christmas.  What an outstanding example for others to follow!  Thanks Ashlyn!

Tonights business meeting brought two new members into the fire department ranks.  Wade Penner and Jim Anderson were accepted as new members of the department.  They will enter a probationary period of 180 days as they begin training and fitting into the team.  Welcome aboard!

A few months ago, the Yellow Rose Sertoma’s requested that our two organizations conduct a fund raiser for the Burkburnett Boys and Girls Club.  The group had met and we will conduct a Pancake Feed on the 12th of Janurary 2008 at the Burkburnett Community Center.  Advance tickets will go on sale within the next few weeks.  Any business or individuals wishing to donate supplies or money to the cause may contact me at 940-733-6842 or mail to Burkburnett Volunteer Fire Department, 100 Peyton Drive, Burkburnett, Texas 76354.

On the 10th of November the department’s annual poster contest was judged at Station 3.  This years winners are:

Primary Division  1^st Place – Zane Woods, 2^nd Place – Jonathan Sutton, 3^rd Place – Martin Sutton 

Intermediate Division 1^st Place – Darcy Hill, 2^nd Place – Samuel Disney, 3^rd Place – Christian Rangel (Not Pictured)

Middle Division  1^st Place – Kara Miller, 2^nd Place – Makayla Corey, 3^rd Place – Merideth Goins

Pictured with the winners are Firefighters Paul McBroom and Jacob Thomas.  Congratulations to all our winners, the 1st place winners will now be forwarded on to the West Texas District contest in April 2008.

Judging the posters were City Commissioner Charlene Lewis, Firefighters Jacob Thomas and Brian Smith, and local citizens Jessica Thomas, Rosie Nauman, Elaina Plye, and Loren Vandersys.

On the 25th of November, the local “Boozefighter’s Motorcycle Club” conducted their annual Fun Run in support of Operation Santa Claus.  Over thirty motorcyclists braved the wet and cold weather on the route from Station 3 to a club in Wichita Falls.  The event which has grown every year successfully raised over $2000.00 for Operation Santa Claus.  A special thanks goes out to the Boozefighters and all participates for supporting Burkburnett’s children.

Yes, we are doing Operation Santa Claus this year, we have conducted this program for at least the last ten years.  To referral a child younger than 15 years old, please call 569-2215 Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.  The referral process will close around the second week in December in order to ensure we are able to package and deliver all toys.  We will be delivering gifts on the Saturday the 22nd of December.