News

Local firefighters treated to hearty breakfast

Samaria Bailey Tribune Correspondent | Posted: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 5:30 pm

Firefighters from Engine 68, Ladder 13 attended the breakfast, which included an omelet station, cheese grits, fruit, french toast, bacon, sausage and potatoes.

“This is the first time we are doing this for the firefighters,” said Timothy McCracken, Renaissance Director of Recreation Services. “We visit them to take cookies and cards but this is the first time they’ve come to us. We think it’s important we have an active role with the local organizations in the community. They serve us and we want to serve them in return.”

Ladder 13 arrived to the breakfast about an hour after the 8 a.m. start time because they had to respond to a call involving a collapsed building.

“We just came back from a call from the 700 block of Springfield,” said Tyrone Davis, a firefighter for eight years. “We had to make sure no-one was inside the house and secured the property. We just got to the station at seven in the morning.”

Davis added that the breakfast was, “really nice. I’m honored to be here.”

Triphena Stevenson, a Renaissance resident, welcomed the firefighters.

“All of you are welcome,” she said. “Make yourself at home.”

Philadelphia Fire Department Commissioner Derrick Sawyer also attended the breakfast.

Stevenson said she was happy to welcome Ladder 13 because of the work they do.

“I love to be involved with all of them because they are the people that help us save the things we [might] lose,” she said. “They are there to help us.”

After about 15 to 20 minutes into settling down to eat, the team got another call to respond to and had to leave the breakfast.

Even so, Carmella Kane, Renaissance Administrator said events such as the breakfast are always worthwhile.

“Our residents are members of the community and it’s our job to to keep them well — spiritually, mentally and physically,” she said.