BY SARAH MOORE
With sirens and lights flashing, the Eudora Fire Department answered an important call Monday.
Blaring across an intercom came an urgent neighborhood message: “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you … “
In the days of COVID-19, the Eudora Fire Department has taken on a new role: host with the most as it coordinates drive-by birthday parties across the city.
The Fire Department announced on its Facebook page last week that it would provide a “special birthday gift” to anyone who had a birthday during the state’s shelter-in-place order.
“Our goal was to do anything we can to brighten their day,” Fire Chief Ken Keiter said.
Within days, the department received 50 requests from the community.
Lt. Peter Latta brought the idea to Keiter after a community member suggested it on Facebook. A department in Madison, South Dakota, started this idea, and the entire Eudora Fire Department was on board.
The celebrations are a positive experience for both the children and the firefighters, Latta said.
“It’s a two-way street,” Latta said. “It kind of helps the firefighters get through this time as well.”
Tracy Boley’s son Jaxton celebrated his sixth birthday Friday with a little help from the Fire Department. She said the entire neighborhood came out to see the fire trucks.
“This helped make up for the fact that we couldn’t have a big party,” she said.
The department continued its drive-by birthday parties Monday by visiting Tabby Alexander on her ninth birthday.
“I wanted to give her a fun memory and something special on her birthday,” her mother Diana Plas said. “We have amazing police and fire departments in this town.”
The Fire Department will continue its drive-by birthday parties until the shelter-at-home order is lifted. The initial Facebook post mentioned an age limit, but Latta said they will do it for anyone who sends a request.
To book an appearance, email Latta at ff.emt1228@gmail.com or send the Fire Department a message through Facebook Messenger. All visits will be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Editor Sydney Hoover contributed to this story.
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