The Federal Way community rallied together on Sept. 12 to show support and appreciation for local firefighters.

South King Fire and Rescue firefighters have battled an influx of blazes in recent weeks due to hot, dry and windy weather. Nine members of SKFR were also deployed on Sept. 11 to assist with various operations of the Oregon wildfires; six members of the Washington State Task Force-1 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (WA-TF1) have since returned to Federal Way.

On Sept. 12, Brooklake Church hosted a Firefighter Appreciation donation event that raised about $500 for the South King Firefighters Foundation.

“It’s so heartbreaking to see so many affected by the fires,” said Shelley Pauls, a community activist. “We know the firefighters and their families are exhausted, and many communities have suffered great loss.”

Volunteers collected thank you cards, gift cards for local restaurants and grocery stores, along with packaged snacks and drinks from church members, community members and local restaurant owners at a drive-thru style booth in the church parking lot. These items were taken to Station 62, then distributed to other SKFR stations.

Handwritten thank you notes and pictures were also among the donations for the first responders.

For those who couldn’t drop by the event, there is an option to participate by donating to the South King Firefighter Foundation via the website at firefightersfoundation.org or by mailing checks to South King Firefighters Foundation, 31617 1st Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003

These funds help meet immediate needs for displaced families. The money also helps maintain the 9/11 memorial at Station 64 and supports other non-profit organizations in the Federal Way community that work to assist individuals in need.

Lt. Walter Hanks, firefighter Christopher Hing, and firefighter Jake Linde accept donations at Station 62 on Sept. 12. Photo courtesy of Shelley Pauls