(December 27, 2005) -- The LB Firefighters Honorary Association, a non-profit, primarily civilian group comprised of businesspeople and retired firefighters, delivered food on Christmas morning to firefighters working at all 24 LB fire stations and at the Fire Emergency Communications & Operations Center (911 center).

This marks the 6th year in a row that LBFHA -- using its own funds -- has provided turkey, honey-baked ham and pies to fire emergency personnel on duty on the holiday.

Pies in hand (from left to right): LBFF Honorary Bob Eldredge; Capt. Paul Alvarado; Firefighter Matt VanEgdom; Engineer Kyle Vestermark; LBFF Honorary Director Harold Omel; Firefighter Sam Adams, Jr.; and LBFF Honorary Chairman Alan Tolkoff. The uniformed personnel comprised the crew of Engine Company 1 on Christmas morning.

Photo credit: Robert Caldon

"These people work unbelievably hard to keep us safe all year," said LBBFHA Chair Alan Tolkoff. "Providing a special meal on Christmas is the least we can do. We enjoy going to the stations and visiting with the firefighters."

LBFHA chair Tolkoff says the group has been doing volunteer charitable work for years...and donates to charitable groups throughout the city. They also sponsor the Spark of Love toy drive. "All our monetary contributions to charities are derived from our membership dues," Mr. Tolkoff notes.